Sr. Systems Engineering Manager - Simulation &Training (Onsite)

Senior Systems Engineering Manager – Simulation & Training (Onsite) – Strategic Defense Solutions, a division of RTX, based in Sterling, VA (or Binghamton, NY). U.S. citizenship required. DoD Secret Security Clearance Day1. Onsite role. Role Description Strategic Defense Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Engineering Manager to lead systems engineering execution on high-impact Department of Defense programs. This role is for a proven leader who understands disciplined systems engineering—and the effective management of engineering talent—directly enables mission success and national security outcomes. You will provide technical and functional leadership to teams of systems engineers, with accountability for lifecycle rigor across requirements, architecture, integration, and verification. You will manage and allocate engineering resources to meet program priorities, develop and mentor senior engineering talent, and ensure the right skills are aligned to the right mission needs. This role requires decisive leadership, sound technical judgment, and the ability to translate mission objectives into executable plans in high-consequence environments. What YOU will do Technical Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers, providing technical direction and applying sound systems engineering principles across the full development lifecycle. Program Execution: Own engineering execution for scope, schedule, and cost, with direct involvement in project planning, Earned Value Management (EVM), and risk management activities. Process & Compliance: Ensure disciplined use of established development processes, lifecycle plans, and tools, including adherence to avionics certification standards and ARP-4754-aligned systems development where applicable. Bids & Proposals: Lead, review, and provide technical guidance for proposal and capture activities, ensuring credible, executable engineering content. People & Resource Management: Make hiring and staffing decisions, conduct performance management, address personnel matters, and build a highly engaged, high-performing engineering team. Organizational Leadership: Partner with peers and leadership to plan and execute broader departmental and strategic initiatives. Qualifications Must Have Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years of relevant experience OR Advanced Degree and minimum 7 years of experience. Successfully executed in a previous senior engineering leadership role. Demonstrated communication and presentation skills to present to stakeholders. Experience with complex system-of-systems from development, maintenance, and architecture perspectives. Familiarity with Requirements database (e.g., DOORS, JAMA), Atlassian tools (Confluence, JIRA), Linux, C/C++, Python or other programming languages; fundamental systems engineering concepts (requirements allocation, verification, etc.). Advanced expertise in Earned Value Management (EVM) principles, tools, and application. Ability to lead technical discussions with internal teams and customers. Manage team performance, career development, succession plans, and talent reviews. Active and transferable U.S. Government DoD Secret Security Clearance (Day1); ability to obtain Top Secret after start; U.S. citizenship required. Qualifications We Prefer Active/Current Top Secret clearance. Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments with changing priorities and resource constraints. Strong emotional intelligence, maintaining composure and objectivity under pressure. Highly self‑motivated leader fostering a positive, accountable team culture. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Team‑first mindset with a focus on collective success. Ability to assess engineering performance against plans and proactively drive corrective actions. Experience developing and maintaining staffing plans, recruiting, hiring, onboarding. Experience with Agile development methodologies and familiarity with JIRA. What We Offer Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees. Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching 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 (pet, home & auto, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness, group legal, ID theft protection). Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits; Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning; Adoption Assistance; Autism Benefit; Employee Assistance Plan (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. Eligible for relocation assistance and more. Salary range: $145,600–$276,800 USD. RTX is 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, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr