Unmanned Systems - Systems Engineer (Multiple Levels)

Responsibilities

Be a Part of Critical Unmanned System Test and Evaluation: Join Noblis

Noblis is seeking Systems Engineers at multiple levels to support unmanned systems (UXS) and counter-unmanned systems (CUXS) Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) programs. This program evaluates emerging technologies from concept to TRL7 to support mission-ready capabilities. This program will execute numerous test and evaluation events annually across geographically dispersed sites, assessing UXS/CUXS modalities in collaboration with multiple federal agencies. This is a high-tempo, mission-driven environment requiring strong time management, hardware T&E experience, technical depth, and the ability to lead planning and execution of complex T&E efforts in coordination with government stakeholders.

Systems Engineers on this program evaluate, architect, and assess emerging technologies across multiple overlapping T&E events annually, providing engineering expertise that directly shapes how systems are tested, integrated, and transitioned to operational use. Positions span traditional systems engineering, system-of-systems interoperability, data standards implementation, and integration with common operating pictures (COPs). The goal is to hire three engineers whose combined expertise covers the breadth of systems engineering challenges in this domain including traditional Systems Engineering, System-of-Systems Interoperability, Data and Systems standard and COP .

At Noblis and Noblis ESI, we have excellent teams of smart, collaborative, proactive experts and professionals. We are actively seeking personnel with experience, vision, commitment, and integrity to join our team and directly contribute to advancing the nation's counter-unmanned systems capabilities. At Noblis, we pride ourselves on our support of technology and operational solutions that enhance our nation's security and resilience.

Role Focus: This role is intended for technical systems engineers who apply critical analysis and problem solving to evaluate and assess emerging technologies. You will support V&V testing, dig into technical results, develop lifecycle assessments and develop decision-ready recommendations that shape the adoption of unmanned and counter unmanned systems technologies.

This work is performed on client site in Washington, DC or at remote sites as required in accordance with the requirements of the contract. Applicants must be located within the National Capital Region.

• Engage in systems engineering tasks involving requirements analysis, architecture development, interface definition, integration planning, and V&V.
• Provide technical analysis to assess interoperability of emerging technologies across multi-vendor, multi-system test environments.
• Evaluate system compliance with relevant data and communications standards.
• Provide technical assessments and recommendations to support integration of technologies into common operating picture.
• Provide life cycle assessment and recommendations to test directors and government stakeholders.
• Provide technical analysis and recommendations on system performance, integration challenges, and standards compliance to test directors and government stakeholders.
• Drive test planning by defining technical evaluation criteria, data collection requirements, and success metrics for systems engineering aspects of test events.
• Drive document development of test and evaluation deliverables (e.g., test plans, analysis plans, data collection matrices)
• Analyze test results and provide engineering assessments of system capabilities, limitations, and interoperability gaps.
• Collaborate with operations specialists, test directors, and program managers to ensure technical objectives are met during test execution.
• Identify and document technical risks, integration issues, and standards gaps - recommending mitigations and solutions.
• Support technology transition by assessing operational readiness and integration pathways for technologies moving from T&E to operational deployment.
• Contribute to the development of T&E frameworks, evaluation methodologies, and technical standards for the program technology portfolio.
• Assist in the development and management of: requirements (system/hardware/software/user/test), system concepts of operation, requirements traceability matrices, system test plans, etc.
• Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules for all test and evaluation activities.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.

• Active SECRET security clearance.

• Ability to successfully pass U.S. Government Agency background investigation/verification and receive a successful final suitability determination.

• Demonstrated experience in:

• Systems Engineering experience supporting requirements development, systems architecture, systems integration, or V&V in the federal government space.

• Modeling and Simulation, including Model-Based Systems Engineering/Digital Engineering to inform test planning and equipment placement.

• Supporting T&E events in field environments, including providing technical support to engineering teams and evaluating systems performance.

• Working with system-of-systems concepts and multi-system integration challenges, including developing analyses that identify areas of improvement.

• Configuration management, alternatives identification, and analysis.

• Analyzing stakeholder needs, defining systems requirements and managing technical trade-offs to optimize system performance, cost, schedule and alignment to concepts of operations.

• Leading development of test and evaluation planning, scheduling and execution, including developing test metrics and integrated master schedules.

• Designing, developing and implementing testing processes and methods for metrics-based quality and reliability assessment of unmanned systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; Proactive, solution-oriented, with exceptional time management skills.

• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Field Mobility: Ability to walk and stand for extended periods (up to 4-8 hours) while conducting site assessments, inspections, or equipment evaluations on varied terrain including paved surfaces, gravel, and uneven ground.
• Driving: Requires a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle for travel to field locations.
• Travel: This position requires travel up to 30% of the time, including to remote or austere field locations with limited amenities. Work may occur in outdoor environments subject to varying weather conditions.
• Work Environment: May include exposure to outdoor elements, industrial or construction-adjacent settings, and environments with limited infrastructure.

Educational and Experience Requirements

Expert - level

• Advanced degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related technical field with 10 + years of relevant experience; OR more than 15 years of specialized experience in these fields.
• Extensive multi-domain operational experience including leadership of field teams and managing multi-system, multi-operator test events and providing feedback to USG leadership.
• Compensation: $127,100 - $198,575

Senior-level

• Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related technical field with 10 years of relevant systems engineering experience; OR Master's degree with 5 years of relevant experience; OR PhD in related field. In lieu of a degree, 15 years of direct and relevant systems engineering experience.
• At least 5 years in UXS/CUXS, C4ISR, or system-of-systems engineering for defense/homeland security.
• Demonstrated expertise in system-of-systems interoperability and data standards implementation.
• Demonstrated experience architecting integrations across multiple COP/C2 platforms.
• Compensation: $95,500 - $149,200

Junior-level

• Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related technical field with 1-5 years of relevant systems engineering experience.
• Exposure to federal defense or homeland security programs, unmanned systems, or C2/sensor integration.
• Familiarity with relevant interoperability and data standards, or open architecture standards for autonomous sensor integration.
• Exposure to COP platforms preferred; coursework or project experience counts.
• Compensation: $78,900 - $123,300

Desired Qualifications

• Active TS//SCI clearance
• Experience with UAS/CUAS technologies including Group 1-5 UAS, RF detection, radar, EO/IR, electronic warfare, or kinetic/non-kinetic effectors.
• Deep knowledge metadata, interoperability and communications standards common to unmanned and counter unmanned systems.
• Experience with spectrum engineering, RF environment analysis, or electromagnetic compatibility for UXS operations.
• Familiarity with federal systems engineering standards and acquisition frameworks.
• INCOSE CSEP/ASEP certification or equivalent.
• DAWIA certification in Systems Engineering or Test & Evaluation.
• Knowledge of open architecture approaches for command and control (C2), Common Operating Picture (COP) and payload integration.
• Hands-on experience integrating systems with varying COPs.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; proactive, solution-oriented, with exceptional time management skills.

Overview

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation's toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers' most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.

We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org

Why Work at Noblis

At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission‑driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.

Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well‑being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug‑free workplace.

Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.

EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work

Total Rewards

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis' total compensation package.

Posted Salary Range

USD $78,900.00 - USD $198,575.00 /Yr.