Flight Systems Engineer

About the job

Who We Are ( video )

At JRC, we tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. Our expertise in engineering innovation and semiconductor technologies allows us to deliver mission-critical microelectronics solutions, aerospace systems engineering, and cutting-edge research and development. By joining JRC, you’ll be part of a team that supports strategic deterrence and defense missions, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its allies.

🚀 Join JRC's Missiles and Space Team!

The Flight Systems Engineer (FSE) serves as the critical technical contributor to the LOC Missile System Integration section for a Department of War (DoW) Category 1D Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) missile system. This position is responsible for the end-to-end integration of warhead and payload – ensuring the flight systems architecture meets mission, safety, surety, performance requirement

💼 What You'll Do

• Serve as critical technical contributor reporting to the LOC Missile System Integration Section Head on all payload segment design, manufacturing, and integration efforts.

• Support command efforts to ensure compliance with Nuclear Weapons System Surety and Safety requirements.

• Co-Lead and support where appropriate the development, issuance, and maintenance of the Flight System to Payload Interface Control Document (ICD) and related functional specifications.

• Plan and execute flight system to payload integration activities, ensuring clear hand offs between payload and shipboard integration work streams.

• Lead hardware in the loop (HWIL) and software in the loop (SWIL) verification of the payload interface; define test procedures, success criteria, and analyze results.

• Identify , assess, and mitigate/enable technical risks/opportunities specific to the payload interface; track mitigation/enabling actions.

• Provide technical input to Engineering Review Boards (ERB), technical Risk and Opportunities Management Boards (TRMB), and Configuration Control Boards (CCB) as the payload interface subject matter expert.

• Contribute payload interface content to the Systems Engineering Plan (SEP), Mission Assurance Plan, and Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP).

• Assist in the oversight of Integration and Test efforts for the LOC missile inclusive of hardware, instrumentation, data-collection, post-test analysis, and ship-integration

• Prepare and present payload integration status for major technical and programmatic LOC reviews.

• Advise and contribute on flight system cost/schedule/technical trade-offs, and its documentation.

🧠 What You Bring to the Table

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).

• Minimum 7 years of defense related systems engineering experience on missile or aerospace MDAPs.

• Demonstrated experience in payload integration, flight system to payload interface definition, and hardware/software verification (HWIL/SWIL)

• Demonstrated experience in missile systems design, integration, and verification.

• Proficiency in authoring and managing ICDs, functional specifications, and requirements traceability matrices.

• Strong communication skills and ability to interface with OSD, Service PAEs, and FFRDC stakeholders.

• Active Top Secret clearance (SCI eligibility required).

⭐ Bonus Points

• 10 years of defense related systems engineering experience on missile or aerospace MDAPs.

• DAWIA Advanced Certification in Engineering or Program Management.

• Experience supporting sea-based nuclear-capable or strategic missile programs.

• Prior SSP, NNSA, or Navy experience with nuclear weapons programs.

Additional Information:

This position requires regular interaction with senior DoW, FFRDC, and industry leadership. Travel (~50%) to test ranges, contractor facilities, weapons facilities, and government labs is required to support technical and programmatic reviews, integration events, and milestone readiness assessments.

At JRC we offer...

• A competitive compensation package

• An exceptional employee benefits program, providing support for our team members' well-being and success

• The chance to contribute to a high-profile Department of Defense programs and make a positive impact

• A collaborative work environment where teamwork, creativity, and innovation thrive

• Opportunities for professional growth and development, helping you advance your career