Senior Defense Technologist

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Senior Defense Technologist

Arlington, VA, US

Salary Range: $150,000.00 To $250,000.00 Annually

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is now officially a 100% ESOP company! We value teamwork and collaboration, and this transition allows us to take that commitment to a new level. nSI empowers our customers by supplying products, services, and expertise with powerful, data driven insights that transform defense systems and improve capabilities.

We are pleased to announce the opening for a Senior Defense Technologist, who will join our Engineering Services Division in Alexandria, VA and become part of our rapidly growing technology company operating in mission engineering, missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, biotechnology, and space control marketspaces. You will be part of a team known for conducting analysis on critical missions and will help identify concepts and emerging technologies to close capability gaps in support of the warfighter.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct wide-ranging research and assessments across multiple technology areas, including emerging systems, fires, autonomy, AI/ML, sensing, weapons, C3, and platform technologies.
• Develop cross-Service, cross-domain technical insights informed by operational context, CONOPS, CONEMPS, DOTMLPF considerations, and warfighter needs.
• Rapidly evaluate new technologies, identify potential military applications, and assess integration pathways within existing or future force designs.
• Engage closely with MBSE practitioners and modeling and simulation teams to determine how technologies should be represented, parameterized, and implemented within analytical tools and models (e.g., system-of-systems simulations, wargames, physics-based models).
• Collaborate with engineers, program managers, operational planners, and Service representatives to ensure technical assessments align with doctrine, acquisition processes, and operational realities.
• Produce concise, technically rigorous analyses for both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leaders.
• Provide thought leadership across multi-domain operations, future force concepts, and cross-cutting technology trends.
• Maintain compliance with all classification, data handling, and disclosure requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret (TS) clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Management Science, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in operations research with a focus on mission engineering, systems engineering, or operational analysis.
• 5+ years of experience with mission planning and analysis, including the development or evaluation of mission threads, operational plans (OPLANs), concepts of operations (CONOPS), concepts of employment (CONEMPS), and defense systems.
• 3+ years of experience collaborating with diverse teams including engineering, operational planners, and technologists to accomplish complex tasks. This includes interactions with the Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Military Services, Intelligence Community, or 3+ years of working knowledge and experience with modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) techniques to support operational planning, system performance analysis, or mission design in defense contexts.
• 2+ years of experience within the military or defense sector in areas related to joint operations, combat systems, research and development (R&D), science and technology (S&T), or mission planning.
• Broad knowledge across defense technologies, systems engineering principles, and military operational concepts.
• Strong familiarity with USN, USA, USAF, USMC, and Joint perspectives and how each Service approaches domain challenges, acquisition, and problem solving.
• Proven ability to learn and assess new technologies quickly and apply insights within analytical or conceptual frameworks.
• Experience collaborating with MBSE practitioners and M&S modelers; able to communicate technical details in a modeling-relevant manner.
• Technical depth in at least one major domain (e.g., autonomy, electronic warfare, C4ISR, propulsion, cyber, sensors, advanced materials, weapons).
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to distill complex technical topics for diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications (in addition to the above Required Qualifications):

• Active TS/SCI.
• Previous SAP experience.
• Advanced degree in Operations Research, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Management Science, or related discipline.
• Experience transitioning efforts across the lifecycle.
• Military Service Staff/Headquarters, Joint Staff, or similar level analytical experience.
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering tools and methodologies.Prior work with campaign models, mission-level simulations, or physics-based modeling tools.
• Experience supporting senior defense leaders with decision-focused analysis.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment while balancing multiple priorities.

nou (pronounced ‘new’) Systems:

Since its founding in 2012, nou Systems has built a reputation for excellence in innovative engineering, prototype development, and technical and professional services in multiple markets, including missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control. Our diverse and highly skilled team delivers state-of-the-level products from concepts and prototypes to fully developed and integrated solutions.

We offer significant advancement and personal career development opportunities within our dynamic high-tech company. Our culture is firmly established in treating our employees like family.

Benefits of working at nSI

nou Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and diverse benefits that reflect our company culture of service, excellence, and a supportive work environment. Benefits may vary based on status but the majority of our positions include the following:

• Competitive Wages*
• Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
• Company-funded Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Personal Time Off, Vacation, and Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Norton LifeLock
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Personal Development, Technical Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

*Final compensation for this position is determined by a variety of factors, such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.

nSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment opportunities at nSI are based upon a candidate’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.