Maritime Scalable Effects Lead Systems Engineer

OverviewSystems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Undersea Technology Analysis Portfolio (UTAP), within the Sea, Land, & Air Analysis Group in SPA, conducts rigorous and objective analyses to enable the Navy and other DoD organizations to make decisions, plans, and strategies to deliver emerging undersea technologies and warfighting capabilities. We support clients across the undersea and naval special warfare enterprises, including those within resourcing and requirements (OPNAV N97), acquisition (program offices for undersea technologies and naval special warfare), and science and technology (Office of Naval Research, DARPA) Our enduring capabilities include:Identifying capability gaps, developing requirements, and generating solutionsAssessing the operational utility and technical feasibility of new technologiesExecution of acquisition and technology development programs, including developing plans and roadmaps to mature, deliver, and sustain new technologiesAnalysis of vulnerabilities and threats to undersea platforms and systemsQuantitative analysis and modeling of undersea forces and their missionsSPA has an immediate need for a Lead Systems Engineer to support NAVSEA's Naval Special Warfare Program Office in Dahlgren, VA.ResponsibilitiesThe lead systems engineer (LSE) will report directly to the Maritime Scalable Effects (MSE) Assistant Program Manager and Portfolio Lead. The LSE will work with the Family of Systems (FoS) APMs to ensure project technical and programmatic requirements are harmonized between the Capabilities Development Document and associated annexes and the respective projects’ System Requirements Documents. The LSE will work directly with the Test Director to ensure the requirements are sufficiently defined to ensure testability or otherwise suitable for inspection, demonstration, or analysis. The LSE will support development of the requirements test verification matrix for each project for all FoS. The LSE will work with APMs to develop, establish, and ensure executability of the relevant weaponeering processes for those technology areas. The ideal LSE will have familiarity with the Law of War review process at SOCOM and be able to help shepherd the relevant programmatic engagement with the legal team at SOCOM. Ancillary duties will include requirements engineering related to Maritime Special Programs theater programmatic areas of MSE and Maritime Launched Effects (MLE), specifically the interface requirements for any MLE technology developments and relevant MSE end effector technologies. Familiarity with UxS and end effector engagement is desirable. Reports full-time to the Dahlgren-based MSE program office.QualificationsRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in a business or technical fieldTen years of relevant experience in engineering/technology managementExperience in U.S. Navy programs or operations, particularly in Naval Special WarfareActive TS/SCI and the ability to maintain it throughout employment Desired Qualifications: Master's Degree in a business or technical fieldProject Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certificateFamiliarity with Special Operations Command acquisition processes and Law of War review processSignificant experience with Naval Special Warfare programsPay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $175,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-23343Category: Engineering & Technical ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: Top Secret/ SCIType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior