Principal Strategic Missile Defense Engineer

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If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. The MDA C4ISR Engineering Department (N262) is dedicated to delivering world-class engineering solutions and technical leadership to enhance next generation Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capabilities. Its mission is to enable resilient, adaptive, and scalable weapon systems that counter emerging threats and safeguard national security and the homeland. The Department is seeking a highly motivated and experienced network systems engineer with STEM-related education and experience to serve as a Principal Strategic Missile Defense Network Systems Engineer. The successful candidate will support the MDA Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (DCC) strategic defense program office, advancing the Next Generation Missile Defense System long haul communications and network architectures, as well as legacy deployed C2BMC system. The job is a Huntsville, AL-based position; this work location is required to effectively foster staff relationships and shape the direct work program. Roles & Responsibilities: The Principal Strategic Missile Defense Network Systems Engineer will be responsible for delivering high value/high impact outcomes within a diverse and growing work program which is evolving toward a strategic IAMD mission area. The successful candidate will collaborate with other technical SMEs within the portfolio as well as other FFRDCs and UARCs while performing a variety of technical analyses of current and emerging sensors, radars, Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) integration, upgrading the current Missile Defense System long haul communications, and integration of new IAMD capabilities within these current and future network architectures. In addition, they will bring innovative solutions through a variety of trade studies, deep-dive analysis, network architecture development/assessment, interface assessments, and technical reviews. The principal engineer will discover and resolve capability gaps in the existing missile defense system of systems and provide recommendations to the FFRDC/UARC teams and government sponsors. Highly competitive candidates must bring a strong technical background and depth of domain knowledge and experience to advance the department's strategic growth in IAMD (for our people and our mission) in one or more of the following ways: * Drive innovation in next generation defense communications network architecture * Advance weapon systems integration within future IAMD Architectures * Lead technical efforts to ensure weapon systems and sensors are integrated into broader IAMD frameworks, enabling interoperability across sensors, interceptors, and Command/Control elements * Develop and refine architectures that optimize the role of weapon systems in multi-layered defense strategies, including regional and global missile defense postures In addition, specific responsibilities might include (but are not limited to): * Lead technical interagency government and contractor teams in the development and deployment of advanced communication technologies that interconnect all radars/sensors, fire control systems, and battle management components of the Missile Defense System. Overseeing the planning and execution of the work and developing and presenting results to the government sponsor. * Lead the development of advanced satellite communication modem technology engineered to overcome jamming and nuclear scintillation, ensuring resilient communications in contested environments. * Define the network architectural construct for the next generation Missile Defense System, setting the technical foundation for the nation's missile defense communications infrastructure. * With in-depth knowledge, expertise, and experience of current MDA Command Control, Battle Management and Communication (C2BMC) network architectures, facilitating the migration of the C2BMC missile defense element to Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technologies, enhancing flexibility, scalability, and security, while assuring existing C2BMC mission. * Influence design and facilitate implementation of the network components of a robust, zero trust cyber capability for C2BMC, significantly strengthening the agency's cybersecurity posture. * Identify additional project opportunities to expand the technical work portfolio through sponsor and internal engagement. * Work closely across sponsor directorates, leveraging knowledge and resources, ensuring consistency of effort, and fostering teamwork among the sponsor, SETA staff, FFRDCs/UARCs, Other Government Agencies, and Prime Contractor(s) Basic Qualifications: * Typically, a STEM Bachelor's degree and 10 years of related experience; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience. * Minimum of 8 years of applied systems engineering, analysis, or network architecture development, as well as relevant domain knowledge and technical skills in missile, air, and space systems (to include C2 and network engineering concepts). * Strong, demonstrated technical presentation and written communication skills with senior sponsors. * Experience with DoD missile and space systems development; including assessing systems against performance requirements, conducting trade studies, and supporting flight tests. * Experience working with FFRDCs and UARCs. * The job is a Huntsville, AL-based position; this work location is required to effectively foster staff relationships and shape the direct work program * Active DoD Top Secret/SCI security clearance is required. * This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site. Preferred Qualifications: * Demonstrated in-depth technical and programmatic understanding (10+ years) of existing MDA Command Control, Battle Management and Communication (C2BMC) communications network requirements, configurations, architectures, and mission. * Demonstrated technical leadership within cross functional technical and programmatic teams * A passion for developing and maintaining a knowledge of battle management and network communications technologies and strategies through continued learning, active engagement with academia and industry, and a desire to remain hands-on. * Experience working with distributed teams across a variety of technical and work areas. * Recognized as a thought leader and team player, adept at providing leadership and fostering consensus This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s): Top Secret/SCI This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s): Top Secret/SCI Work Location Type: Onsite Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. 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Created: 2025-09-28