Lead Systems Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer

City/State: Colorado Springs, CO USA

Type of schedule: Full-Time, Salary/Exempt, on-site with limited remote work flexibility.

Annualized Salary Range

$135,000.00 - $170,000.00 commensurate with experience.

About Us

Caliola is a award-winning woman-owned small business that is improving and protecting our Nation's way of life through secure collaboration and resilient communications. Our engineers, subject matter experts, and veterans are developing and delivering trusted solutions for mission-critical communications. We seek teammates who share our core values:

I3C3 - Insight, Innovation, and Integrity for Command, Control, and Communications

These values guide how we work every day. At Caliola, you will find technically challenging, mission-focused work within a flexible and collaborative culture that is uncommon in the defense industry. We offer flexible PTO, subsidized health insurance, 401(k) matching, professional development, and a competitive compensation structure designed to support long-term growth.

Position Description

Caliola is seeking an experienced, technically driven Lead Systems Engineer to help design, develop, and deliver advanced communications solutions for mission-critical defense programs. In this role, you'll take ownership of key systems engineering activities across the full program lifecycle, from defining requirements and developing system architectures to integration, verification, and validation. You'll work closely with hardware, software, and other technical teams to solve complex engineering challenges, evaluate design alternatives, and ensure communications systems meet performance requirements and operational needs.

We're looking for an engineer who brings strong systems engineering expertise, sound technical judgment, and the ability to work independently while collaborating across disciplines. You'll have the autonomy to drive technical solutions, influence system design decisions, identify and mitigate risks, and help establish effective systems engineering practices as our programs grow. If you enjoy solving challenging problems, understanding how complex communications technologies work together, and seeing your engineering decisions contribute directly to national defense capabilities, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a growing defense technology company.

Essential Responsibilities

Systems Requirements

• Define, analyze, document, and maintain system requirements and traceability.
• Allocate requirements to hardware, software, and subsystems and maintain traceability through verification evidence.
• Ensure requirements are properly managed throughout the program lifecycle and assess any proposed requirement changes for technical, cost, schedule, and verification impacts.

System Design & Architecture

• Develop and evaluate system architectures, lead systems engineering technical planning, and provide technical input during design reviews.
• Develop and maintain system-level technical budgets and engineering metrics.
• Conduct trade studies and engineering analyses to recommend solutions that balance performance, cost, schedule, reliability, and technical risk.

Integration, Verification & Validation

• Develop verification matrices, test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria; document results and maintain objective evidence of requirement compliance.
• Validate system performance against intended operational use and customer needs, including representative operating conditions.
• Coordinate systems engineering activities across hardware, software, and other technical disciplines to ensure successful system integration and technical alignment.

Technical Documentation & Communication

• Develop and maintain systems engineering documentation and technical artifacts.
• Communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Participate in customer and supplier technical discussions and document decisions, commitments, and action items.

Program & Engineering Support

• Provide systems engineering expertise in support of technical proposals, vendor evaluations, program planning, and engineering estimates.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of systems engineering processes and practices.
• Identify, assess, and track technical risks; develop mitigation actions and elevate issues that exceed assigned authority.

What We Require

• Current Department of War security clearance at the Secret level or higher.
• Minimum 8 years of directly relevant professional experience in systems engineering.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated systems engineering experience with communications systems, including RF, wireless, satellite, or related communications technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with system integration, requirements verification, and validation activities, including the development of test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
• Advanced knowledge of systems engineering processes, methodologies, and tools, including requirements management, system architecture, integration, verification, and validation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute systems engineering activities, evaluate complex technical challenges, and provide sound engineering recommendations within defense-related programs.
• Demonstrated experience conducting system-level trade studies, performance analyses, and technical risk assessments to inform engineering decisions.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with technical teams and internal/external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver accurate, high-quality work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Occasional travel may be required.

What We Value

• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience with RF performance analysis, communications system modeling, link budgets, or related technical analyses.

Minimum Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position and/or move about for extended periods while performing job duties.
• Ability to use computers, communications equipment, and other standard office and technical equipment.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform other movements necessary to access or support equipment and workspaces.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move equipment or materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

More About Us

Our performance has driven rapid growth and national recognition, being named twice to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and inclusion on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. We have also been recognized as a Colorado Company to Watch, a ColoradoBiz Top Company in Aerospace & Defense, and the #2 Gazette's Best Workplace (medium size) in 2025.

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, we operate in a leading aerospace and defense hub with proximity to major military installations. Set against the Rocky Mountains, the region offers year-round outdoor recreation and a high quality of life for professionals and families considering relocation.

Please contact Human Resources (View email address on click.appcast.io) with questions about ADA accommodations.

The posted salary range represents our good faith estimate for this role based on current organizational needs and the qualifications reasonably expected for the position. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, education, clearance status, and business needs.

This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis.

At Caliola, we believe that true innovation can only occur when teammates bring their authentic selves to collaborate in a supportive, encouraging environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.

Caliola participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Upon hire, all employees are required to complete Form I-9 to verify their identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States.

All candidates will be required to pass a basic background screening.