Who we are:Fuse builds innovative communications, networking, and computing solutions that improve the sharing of information, video, text, and voice among operators distributed throughout the airborne, maritime, and ground environments. We are a technology firm creating in‑house software, network and hardware solutions that support our noble cause of advancing warfighter capabilities with elegant, user‑focused communications, networks, and software systems.About This RoleFuse is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead mission definition, architecture clarity, and integration risk reduction across complicated tactical communication systems. This role elevates systems engineering maturity and ensures predictable system behavior under operational stress.Chief Engineer (ChEng) DesignationDepending on mission scope, system complexity, and organizational need, this role may be designated as a Chief Engineer (ChEng). When assigned, the ChEng is responsible for maintaining coherence across mission intent, architecture, integration strategy, technical risk posture, and delivery readiness throughout the Define–Design–De‑risk–Deliver lifecycle. The ChEng serves as the technical authority for system readiness, mission effectiveness, and engineering execution, driving uncertainty reduction through modeling, simulation, experimentation, and progressive integration.Key ResponsibilitiesDefineEstablish and maintain Design Reference Missions (DRMs) that anchor mission intent and guide hypothesis formationTranslate customer intent into system‑level behaviorsIdentify mission‑level risks and architectural uncertaintiesDesignLead system architecture definition across disciplinesDefine critical interfaces and integration strategiesConduct and lead trade studies to support architecture decisionsFrame Epics as architectural hypotheses, explicitly stating assumptions, mission impact, and risk postureEnsure risks and opportunities are surfaced and managed at the architecture level rather than at execution detailDe‑riskDesign and drive modeling and simulation strategiesLead early integration experiments to reduce uncertaintyEnsure traceability from mission intent through validationOwn system‑level risk posture and drive cross‑discipline alignment to reduce integration uncertainty early in the lifecycleDrive integration learning cycles that validate or invalidate architectural assumptionsEnsure Stories and integration events produce evidence tied directly to mission intentDeliverEstablish objective delivery readiness criteria based on integration risk retirement rather than schedule milestones aloneEnsure integration and verification activities are aligned with mission threadsEnsure delivery readiness is based on validated system behavior under stress conditions, not artifact completionCommunicate confidence levels in system performance based on evidence generated through spiral iterationsEstablish criteria for delivery readiness based on risk postureDrive resolution of cross‑discipline issues impacting system behaviorEnsure traceability from mission intent through formal validationCommunicate system risk posture to program and technical leadershipWhen designated as Chief Engineer (ChEng), serve as the technical authority for mission readiness, engineering execution, and cross‑discipline architectural coherence across the system lifecycleRequired QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field or equivalent experience10+ years of experience in complicated system developmentExperience leading system architecture and integration effortsExperience with requirements management tools (e.g., Jama, DOORS) in complex DoD programsDemonstrated ownership of traceability from mission intent through verification artifacts (digital thread)Demonstrated ability to lead iterative, uncertainty‑reduction driven development efforts across hardware and software domainsComfortable operating in environments where architecture evolves through experimentation and integration learningExperience establishing and maintaining traceability from Design Reference Mission (DRM) through integration evidenceDemonstrated ownership of architectural risk posture at the Epic (hypothesis) levelExperience structuring integration and test activities as learning mechanisms to validate or refute system‑level assumptionsActive U.S. Secret ClearancePreferred QualificationsExperience with SysML, Cameo, or MBSE practicesExperience using Jira or similar tools to coordinate cross‑discipline integration effortsExperience with digital engineering and simulation approachesExperience implementing digital thread practices where traceability is treated as a learning signal rather than a compliance artifactExperience operating above WBS structures, preserving contractual integrity while protecting architectural coherenceExperience interfacing directly with DoD customersWhat Success Looks Like (12 Months)Establishes architecture clarity across programsReduces late‑cycle integration surprisesElevates systems engineering maturity across the organizationMay be designated as a Chief Engineer (ChEng) depending on scope, complexity, org needWhen assigned as ChEng, serve as the technical authority for mission readiness, engineering execution, and cross‑discipline architectural coherence across the system lifecycleMore about Fuse:Founded in 2010, Fuse is a veteran‑owned, rapidly growing small business. Our San Diego‑based company has earned recognition as an emerging leader in airborne, maritime, and ground networking. Placing the warfighter at the center of every design process, Fuse delivers intuitive, agile, and resilient products that go beyond national security requirements—providing lasting utility and game‑changing results. We take pride in our brilliant and talented team as well as our dynamic environment and collaborative, creative, environment. We build cutting‑edge hardware and software products that solve complex national security challenges for our warfighters at the tactical edge.Salary Range:$140,000 - $195,000 (+ Chief Engineer Bonus, for those designated to function in a Chief Engineer role)Medical, Dental, and VisionEmployee coverage is fully funded; a portion of dependents' coverage is funded as well11 paid Federal HolidaysPaid Time Off (PTO)Date of hire through first year: 10 days/year (accrued)After two years: unlimited40 hours of paid sick leave per year401k with employer matchingAnnual bonusesCell phone reimbursement: $100/month#J-18808-Ljbffr