Senior Systems Engineer

This position requires an ACTIVE DoD security clearance. Applicants who do not currently hold an active clearance will not be considered.

About Us: PMAT is an innovative small business founded with a passion for developing forward-leaning solutions from exceptional people that increase the mission's capability. We focus on designing and building impactful digital solutions that utilize modern cloud, data, and software concepts. Our passion is working on complex and progressive challenges such as edge platform computing, containerizing legacy platforms, distributed data platforms, or heterogeneous data analysis.

We recruit, retain, and foster a team motivated to pursue passions, investigate new ways of doing things, and embody an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. We believe in being curious about every element of a problem and experiment relentlessly. We foster continuous learning in an environment that encourages positive collaboration and expands our capabilities. We tap into collective intelligence, acknowledging that the most brilliant people may not be in the room.  Above all else, we believe that delivering and demonstrating is more potent than a sheet of paper.  We are passionate about mission-centric design and delivering effective capabilities to and for the warfighter.

Whether you’re an experienced engineer or just beginning your career, you’ll work alongside experts who are committed to solving mission-critical problems. If you’re passionate about using your skills to make a real difference, apply today and become part of a team that’s shaping the future of defense technology!

About the Role: The Senior Systems Engineer is a full-time, integral role responsible for overseeing multiple subsystems and projects while contributing to high-level system design. This position leads impactful initiatives by assessing and resolving system-wide challenges, developing designs, and maintaining alignment across platforms. The role requires close collaboration with technical leads, project managers, and external government and private sector partners to address risk and scalability concerns while sustaining legacy combat readiness and optimizing complex systems for world-class integrated weapon systems at land and sea.

The successful candidate is delivery-focused, demonstrates leadership abilities and is passionate about designing and developing rapid prototypes through modern approaches and methodologies producing world-class mission architecture supporting the successful development, modernization, and maintenance of systems critical to our warfighters and protecting national security. This position will work collaboratively with other System Engineers, Team Leads, and Program Management to achieve PMAT goals. This is a unique opportunity to drive high-level designs, mentor and develop a team.

Responsibilities:

The Senior Systems Engineer will oversee the complete system lifecycle—from initial concept through to deployment—while defining high-level architecture and establishing robust systems interfaces. This role is responsible for ensuring that all systems meet regulatory standards and stakeholder requirements. In addition, the engineer will mentor junior team members to drive technical excellence and work closely with leadership to ensure that systems solutions are fully aligned with business objectives.

• Oversee configuration management and system lifecycle, from concept to deployment
• Develop and design complex network architectures and system infrastructures
• Define and implement robust interface standards for systems integration
• Oversee the installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of computer systems and networks on Naval ships and land based facilities
• Ensure optimum functionality and proactive monitoring of system performance
• Diagnose and resolve system inefficiencies, technical issues, and downtime incidents
• Implement timely solutions to ensure continuous system availability and performance
• Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, network diagrams, and operational procedures
• Collaborate with managers, technical leads, and external partners to determine system needs and align architecture with business objectives
• Communicate technical information effectively to non-technical stakeholders
• Mentor junior engineers and guide team development to drive technical excellence
• Ensure all systems are compliant with regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Implement and maintain cybersecurity measures to protect the organization’s IT assets

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 5 years supporting DoD or Navy acquisition programs (e.g., NAVSEA, NAVWAR, PEO C4I, PEO Digital).
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles (V-model, Agile, etc.)
• Familiarity with Navy Modernization Process Management and Operations Manual for ship alteration
• Knowledge of system design tools and methods. (CAMEO, MATLAB, SysML, or requirements management tools)
• Proficient knowledge of industry-relevant standards such as the INCOSE SE Handbook
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic plans and effectively manage risks
• Proven ability to lead and deliver large, complex projects successfully
• Demonstrated aptitude for inspiring, guiding, and aligning teams with strategic objectives
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional engineering projects while mentoring junior engineers and fostering technical excellence
• Ability to stay up to date with new technologies in the evolving industry to ensure proactive innovation and competitive systems
• Proven ability to effectively communicate technical information and brief senior government representatives, program leadership, and review boards.
  • Ability to speak publicly and brief senior government officials

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience developing System Requirements Specifications (SRS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and test documentation (Test Plans, Procedures, Reports) in accordance with DoD systems engineering standards (e.g., MIL-STD-961, MIL-STD-3022, or program-specific SE processes).
• Demonstrated experience supporting Naval intelligence systems and Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTH-T) architectures, including familiarity with tactical data links, sensor-to-shooter integration, and intelligence data flows supporting fleet-level situational awareness and targeting decision cycles.
• Expertise in defining and implementing complex system architectures and interfaces that meet both current and future needs
• Strong background in developing strategic plans, assessing project risks, and executing effective risk mitigation strategies
• Experience collaborating and negotiating effectively with both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience following a formal procedure for coordinating system integration activities among multiple teams, ensuring complete coverage of all interfaces
• Experience with some of the following, or similar:
  • System Design and Architecture
  • Requirements Analysis and Management
  • System Integration and Testing
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation
  • Documentation and Reporting
  • Configuration Management

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related field
• INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) or similar, preferred

Clearance: 

• US Citizenship required
• No dual citizenship
• Active TS required 
• Active TS/SCI highly preferred

Location:

• Remote
• Candidates should reside in the DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area.
• Meetings will be conducted in Washington DC and the Navy Yard. 

Work Environment:

The work environment is primarily remote within Northern Virginia /Maryland area.  In some cases, work in a government facility may be required within the Fairfax, Quantico, D.C, Baltimore area. Travel will be required for customer engagement, team coordination, and potentially for business development.

PMAT is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

Compensation: Starting at $185,000. Negotiable. Compensation is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and business needs.