NC2/NC3 Systems Engineer

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If you’ve spent years working inside NC2/NC3 systems — as a military operator, acquisition professional, or defense contractor — and want to continue shaping the nuclear enterprise from the outside, this role was written for you.

MITRE’s Nuclear Enterprise division is looking for engineers with firsthand knowledge of how these systems actually work in practice. You’ll bring that operational insight to bear on some of the most consequential modernization challenges in the Air Force today; evaluating future NC3 architectures, defining requirements, and advising senior sponsors on near- and long-term strategy. Your work will directly guide large-scale acquisitions and shape capabilities across the nuclear enterprise.

We have immediate openings at MITRE’s Bedford, MA location supporting Department of Defense sponsors.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Serve as a multi-discipline systems engineer with a primary focus on the NC2 and NC3 operational domain

• Address operational challenges in nuclear command and control, drawing on your direct mission experience

• Define and evaluate potential NC3 future architectures for near-term implementation and long-term positioning

• Provide technical leadership and unbiased advice to DoD sponsors across a broad spectrum of issues

• Apply advanced capabilities and technology to real-world operational needs

• Address international security problems in the context of nuclear enterprise modernization

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related engineering discipline; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or PhD with 3 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.

• 5–8 years working directly within the NC2/NC3 mission area — as a military operator (e.g., STRATCOM, AFGSC, Navy SSBN/SSGN, airborne NC3 platforms), an acquisition or requirements professional, or a defense contractor supporting NC3 programs

• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI and SAP

• U.S. citizenship required

• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, adapt to evolving sponsor requirements, and deliver in ambiguous environments

• Strong communication skills with experience briefing senior military or civilian leadership

• This position requires a minimum of 4 days per week on-site in Bedford, MA

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior military service in a nuclear-related role — e.g., USAF 13N (Nuclear and Missile Operations), 21M (Munitions and Missile Maintenance), submarine warfare officer, or airborne NC3 crew — or equivalent civilian/contractor experience

• Prior assignment at a Combatant Command or Joint Staff level (STRATCOM, AFGSC, OSD, DTRA, or similar)

• Familiarity with NC3 systems and programs such as MEECN, AEHF, E-6B TACAMO, or related survivable communications architectures

• Experience with DoD acquisition regulations, JROC/requirements processes, or NC3 modernization programs

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or technical discipline

• Current/active Top Secret clearance

• Prior leadership experience in a technical or operational context

• Familiarity with MITRE’s existing nuclear enterprise work

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

SAP, Top Secret/SCI

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$146,400 - $183,000 - $219,600 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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