Lead Systems Engineer

• Air Force Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications

Position Details

Date Posted: 2026-02-05
Country: United States of America
Location: US-TX-RICHARDSON-462 ~ 3200 E Renner Rd ~ RENNER BLDG 462
Position Role Type: Onsite
Salary Range: $157,200 USD - $298,800 USD

Security Clearance Requirements

• Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
• Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret
• Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1
• Ability to obtain Top Secret after start
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

About the Role

Strategic Defense Solutions is seeking a highly technical Lead Systems Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority on programs supporting the modernization of U.S. Air Force Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) capabilities. This role is based in Richardson, TX and requires regular on-site engagement in classified laboratory environments. This position is intended for a deeply experienced systems engineer who can own system-level technical execution, lead complex engineering trade spaces, and act as the primary systems engineering interface to both program leadership and government customers.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and programmatic guidance to large multidisciplined teams, leading effective working sessions and trade studies, cultivating and reinforcing group values, and identifying, analyzing and correcting technical problems
• Serve as the primary systems engineering and technical authority, leading system architecture, requirements, interfaces, integration, and verification across the full lifecycle
• Lead and mentor large engineering teams to understand, analyze, and develop the MBSE models, requirements, and designs using enterprise standard tools, processes, and industry best practices to ensure consistent, accurate and on-time delivery
• Perform hands-on systems engineering in classified lab environments, supporting integration, test, and technical problem resolution
• Drive the plan and execute project-level work to meet schedules, costs, and performance goals
• Monitor and understand cost and schedule of the project and report project status to program management and engineering leadership using Earned Value Management
• Analyze and track new and modified scope changes for technical, cost and schedule impacts
• Contribute to proposal development and follow-on customer technical engagements
• Ensure the development and management of technical risks & opportunities and develop and execute mitigation plans
• Apply SysML concepts for System Modeling across a full engineering lifecycle
• Travel occasionally to support program requirements

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience
• Active and transferable Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain Top Secret after start
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Proven track record leading and mentoring large systems engineering teams including the customer interface
• Extensive knowledge of the Systems Engineering process for Hardware and Software systems
• Experience with radio communication systems such as VLF, UHF, VHF, Satcom, or related
• Proven experience with MBSE concepts and tools such as Magic Draw CAMEO, Rhapsody, or Enterprise Architect

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or exposure to other related disciplines such as project engineering, human factors, system safety, reliability & maintainability, and cybersecurity
• Experience working in an Agile development environment, being part of a highly integrated team working closely with SW, Integration and Verification teams
• Experience with parametric bid estimation tools such as SEER
• Experience or exposure to leading team with applications such as Microsoft Project, Confluence/JIRA
• Experience managing technical risk, root cause analysis, and corrective actions

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, and ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• May be eligible for Relocation
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement

About Collins Aerospace Mission Systems

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you'll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other – propel us all higher, again and again.

Additional Information

• This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
• As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
• The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
• Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.