Senior Systems Engineer

Lead the Digital Thread for Next-Generation Aerospace Development as a Sr Systems Engineer!


Pay Rate: $101.00/hr



Lead the Digital Thread for Next-Generation Aerospace Development


PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Sr Systems Engineer to support safety-critical aerospace programs through the design, integration, and administration of the IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM) platform .


In this highly visible role, you'll be responsible for connecting requirements, systems engineering, software, hardware, manufacturing, and verification data into a unified Digital Thread environment while ensuring compliance with ARP4754, DO-178C, and DO-254 standards.


This role is ideal for candidates with deep expertise in IBM ELM, Requirements-Based Engineering (RBE), Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), OSLC integrations, and aerospace certification environments.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Thread & Enterprise Integration

• Design, implement, and maintain integrations between IBM ELM and enterprise systems including:
  • PLM
  • CAD
  • ERP
  • MES
• Develop Digital Thread solutions enabling end-to-end traceability across the product lifecycle.
• Build and maintain integrations using:
  • OSLC
  • REST APIs
  • IBM Integration Adapters
• Establish data synchronization and "single source of truth" strategies.
• Support configuration management links between systems engineering data and product structures.

IBM ELM Administration & Architecture

• Serve as the technical focal point for:
  • DOORS Next Generation (DNG)
  • Engineering Workflow Management (EWM)
  • Engineering Test Management (ETM)
  • Rhapsody
  • Global Configuration Management (GCM)
  • Jazz Team Server (JTS)
• Configure project areas, workflows, permissions, and templates.
• Troubleshoot platform performance and availability issues.

Aerospace Compliance & Requirements Management

• Align ELM workflows with ARP4754A/B aerospace development processes.
• Support Development Assurance Level (DAL A-E) traceability.
• Develop automated verification and compliance traceability matrices.
• Support certification activities and SOI reviews.

Workflow & Quality Management

• Partner with QA and engineering teams to support:
  • Test management
  • Defect tracking
  • Change management
  • Sprint planning
• Ensure compliance with:
  • ARP4754
  • DO-178C
  • DO-254
  • Industry and security standards

Reporting & Automation

• Develop custom integrations and automation using:
  • REST APIs
  • OSLC
  • Python
  • JavaScript
• Build automated dashboards and compliance reporting solutions.
• Create executive-level project and traceability reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in:
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience supporting software or systems engineering tool environments
• Deep hands-on expertise with:
  • IBM ELM
  • DOORS NG
  • EWM
  • ETM
  • Requirements-Based Engineering (RBE)
• Experience integrating ELM with PLM platforms such as:
  • Siemens Teamcenter
  • PTC Windchill
  • Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE
• Experience with:
  • Digital Thread implementations
  • MBSE environments
  • OSLC integrations
  • Automation and scripting

Preferred Qualifications

• IBM ELM certifications
• Aerospace systems engineering experience
• Strong knowledge of:
  • ARP4754A/B
  • DO-178C
  • DO-254
• Experience supporting Agile, SAFe, and Waterfall development environments
• Advanced dashboard and reporting development using:
  • Power BI
  • Tableau
  • BIRT
  • IBM Engineering Lifecycle Optimization

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Deep IBM ELM expertise
• Digital Thread architecture experience
• Requirements-Based Engineering background
• Aerospace certification and compliance knowledge
• PLM and enterprise tool integration experience
• Strong scripting and automation skills
• Excellent stakeholder communication and leadership abilities
• Ability to translate complex engineering workflows into scalable tool solutions

Why Join Us?

• $101/hr pay rate
• Hybrid work environment
• Opportunity to shape enterprise Digital Thread strategy
• Work on advanced aerospace systems programs
• High-impact role supporting systems, software, hardware, and manufacturing integration
• Exposure to cutting-edge MBSE and Requirements-Based Engineering initiatives
• Leadership opportunity within a world-class engineering organization

Apply Today!


If you have expertise in IBM ELM, DOORS NG, EWM, ETM, Digital Thread architecture, Requirements-Based Engineering, and aerospace compliance frameworks , we'd love to hear from you.


Join PDS Tech Commercial as an IBM ELM / Digital Thread Architect and help drive the future of aerospace systems engineering and lifecycle management.


This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details: $101.00 per hour


Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Ref: US_EN_33_010422_2581105