Senior Systems Software Engineer

Position Overview

Phased N Research is seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Software Engineer to support the Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD) Program Office. This is a senior-level, mission-critical role requiring deep technical expertise in Patriot and Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 systems. The successful candidate will contribute directly to national defense initiatives, interfacing with DoD stakeholders to deliver advanced layered missile defense capabilities.

Job Duties

• Support the SHIELD Program Office with systems and software engineering expertise across the full development lifecycle.
• Provide technical analysis, design, and implementation support for Patriot and PAC-3 missile defense systems.
• Lead and contribute to software architecture, integration, and testing efforts for Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 systems.
• Ensure software safety compliance and support safety case development in accordance with applicable DoD and Army standards.
• Conduct systems engineering analysis including requirements decomposition, interface definition, and trade studies.
• Collaborate with program leadership to ensure technical execution is aligned with cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Prepare and present technical briefings, documentation, and design artifacts for government stakeholders and program milestone reviews.
• Represent software and systems engineering perspectives in technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and working groups.
• Support integration and test activities, including analysis of test results to assess performance against requirements.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Active SECRET clearance
• 20+ years of Systems and Software Engineering experience
• 15+ years of Patriot Systems and Software Engineering experience
• 10+ years of Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 Systems, Safety, and Software Engineering experience
• Bachelor's Degree in a STEM field (Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another relevant technical discipline)
• Demonstrated expertise in software safety processes and safety-critical system development for missile defense applications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to succinctly describe complex technical scenarios in clear, accessible terms
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, DoD program offices, and inter-agency stakeholders
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills in complex defense system environments

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoD missile defense program offices or similar acquisition programs
• Familiarity with layered air and missile defense architectures, concepts of operations, and system integration requirements
• Knowledge of DoD systems engineering frameworks and standards (e.g., MIL-STD-882, DO-178C, or equivalent)
• Experience with software development in C, C++, Ada, or other languages common to defense system software environments
• Prior experience in a senior technical lead or principal engineer capacity on a major DoD program