Lead Weapon Systems EngineerLead a team of engineers to design, develop, and integrate complex systems for the U.S. Air Force (USAF). The role focuses on hard‑war and soft‑war systems architecture, cable and interface design, electro‑mechanical development, weapon mission planning, and weapon cybersecurity in highly classified environments.ResponsibilitiesLead a team of engineers in designing, developing, and integrating systems for USAF air‑to‑ground and air‑to‑air weapons, focusing on large‑systems architecture and the integration of commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) electronics.Develop and oversee system architectures, ensuring robust cable interface design and seamless hardware and software integration of weapons and aircraft interfaces.Collaborate with partner companies for the engineering, manufacturing, and development of sensors and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).Ensure systems meet USAF specifications, standards, and mission requirements, including secure integration and interoperability.Conduct system testing, validation, and verification to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance with mission objectives.Utilize DoD simulation environments such as Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SITL) and Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HITL) operations to validate system designs and control algorithms, incorporating imaging scene generation and six degrees of freedom (6 DOF) technologies.Implement anti‑tamper measures, conduct penetration testing, perform vulnerability assessments, and apply reverse engineering techniques to secure weapon systems.Oversee mission planning from both weapon and aircraft perspectives, ensuring alignment with operational needs.Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.Prepare and present technical reports, documentation, and briefings to stakeholders, including government clients.Stay abreast of advancements in AI, ML, fundamental aerospace technologies, cybersecurity, and mission planning to drive innovation and enhance munitions operational capabilities.Qualifications15+ years of experience in engineering or technical leadership roles, including systems integration in the aerospace or defense industry.5+ years of experience leading teams of scientists and engineers.Experience with simulation environments such as SITL and HITL, including imaging scene generation, 6 DOF technologies, and real‑time computing or simulation.Experience with cable design, systems architecture, and integration of COTS sensors into larger systems.Experience with engineering tools and software such as PENCURV, AFSIM, CAD, MATLAB, or Simulink.Experience with cybersecurity measures specific to weapon systems, including anti‑tamper technologies, penetration testing, reverse engineering, and vulnerability assessment.Knowledge of USAF air‑to‑ground and air‑to‑air weapon systems subcomponents and interfaces with aircraft, including mission computing, seeker, and propulsion.Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices for integrating COTS components into secure systems.Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.Secret clearance (or eligibility for Secret clearance).Nice to HaveExperience leading engineering teams and managing projects in a fast‑paced defense industry environment.Experience with USAF standards, regulations, and acquisition processes.Experience in Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo or Rhapsody.Experience with Network Collaborative Autonomy.Experience with cybersecurity frameworks and standards relevant to defense contracting such as NIST SP 800‑171.Knowledge of advanced technologies such as AI, ML, cloud services, and data warehousing.Possession of excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.Top Secret clearance.Master's degree.ClearanceApplicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Secret clearance is required.CompensationSalary range: $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD). The posting will close within 90 days from the posting date.EEO StatementAll 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr