SME Systems Engineer Lead

This Department of War enterprise data and analytics program delivers mission-critical capabilities that enable leaders across the Department to make faster, better-informed decisions using trusted data at scale. Leidos Digital Modernization sector is seeking an experienced SME Systems Engineer Lead to support the delivery, enhancement, and adoption of enterprise data and analytics products used across multiple DoD organizations. In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates to translate operational and strategic requirements into scalable, production-ready solutions. You will contribute directly to product planning, execution, and continuous improvement—helping ensure capabilities are delivered efficiently, aligned to mission priorities, and positioned for sustained success. This position offers the opportunity to work on a high-visibility, enterprise program at the intersection of data, analytics, and emerging AI technologies. Ideal candidates are motivated by mission impact, comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments, and interested in building deep domain expertise while delivering capabilities with real-world national security outcomes. Primary Responsibilities: Develop enterprise system designs at the component and sub-component level using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) techniques. Lead requirements analysis, capability design, and test and evaluation planning. Identify and manage human-systems interfaces to enhance user experience. Coordinate engineering processes and technical prioritization across multiple stakeholder groups. Address complex system issues requiring code-level, configuration, or infrastructure changes. Ensure stability, scalability, and performance across the broader IT ecosystem. Prepare, maintain, and execute a System Operations Plan (SOP) for managing system operations. Manage, operate, and maintain Cloud Service Provider (CSP) and Data Center (DC) environments. Oversee Release and Deployment Management processes for software releases. Perform system administration and maintenance activities to ensure compliance with cybersecurity mandates. Implement and maintain a Patch Management process for software updates. Establish and maintain Asset Management systems for tracking cloud, hardware, and software assets. Implement an Incident Response process for tracking and resolving system incidents. Design and operate an Event Management process for proactive system maintenance. Monitor and report on SLA performance measures for all system services. Manage 8-15 direct reports, providing guidance and support for professional development. Foster a collaborative team environment to achieve project goals. Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members. Facilitate communication between team members and stakeholders to ensure alignment on objectives. Basic Qualifications: Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related technical discipline and 12 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree in a related field and 10 years of relevant experience. At least one of the following foundational qualification pathways consistent with DoD 8140 requirements: Current DoD 8570/8140 baseline certification appropriate for Advanced System Administrator roles (e.g., CASP+, CCNP Security, GCED, or equivalent), Offerings listed in the DoD 8140 Training Repository, Demonstrated equivalent training and experience qualifying under DoD 8140 foundational qualification alternatives. Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in systems engineering or related field. Experience leading systems engineering activities in DoD or Federal enterprise environments. Experience developing and managing system requirements, interface control documents, and architecture artifacts. Experience integrating cloud infrastructure, DevSecOps pipelines, cybersecurity controls, and enterprise data services. Experience operating within SAFe or large-scale Agile frameworks supporting enterprise systems. Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring technical teams. Proven experience in managing engineering processes and technical teams. Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices. Experience with cloud service management and system administration. Preferred Qualifications: SAFe Agilist (SA) or related SAFe certification. Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) techniques. Experience supporting systems engineering across NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS environments. Experience implementing Zero Trust architecture patterns within enterprise systems. Experience supporting enterprise data, AI/ML, or DevSecOps modernization initiatives. INCOSE CSEP or equivalent systems engineering certification. Familiarity with AWS services and cloud infrastructure management. Knowledge of DevSecOps practices and tools #ADVANA If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares. Original Posting: June 3, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law. Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit Pay and Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here. Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to View email address on click.appcast.io. Commitment and Diversity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.