System Engineer

Seeking a highly skilled former Military Test Pilot School trained aviator with extensive operational experience to support the innovative Department of Defense (DoD) Experimentation and Combatant Command events and exercises. Specific tasking will include direct support to DoD initiatives, combatant command experiments, and unmanned systems. This role will focus on planning and executing complex test and evaluation activities, integrating advanced technologies into large-scale exercises, and supporting the development of infrastructure necessary to test joint capabilities to enhance mission readiness and interoperability.

Work location is at client office in Camarillo, CA or Pt. Mugu.

Associate Vendors: We are accepting applications from candidates who are currently authorized to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship.

Role & Responsibilities

Test & Evaluation Leadership for Unmanned Systems

Lead the planning, execution, and analysis of unmanned system tests, ensuring operational effectiveness, suitability and capability for maritime operations.

Develop test plans, data collection methodologies, and performance evaluation criteria specific to unmanned systems.

Provide technical and operational recommendations to optimize system performance and accelerate fielding timelines.

Support for JADC2 Test & Evaluation

Plan and execute test events for JADC2 technologies, focusing on interoperability, sensor integration, and real-time data sharing across multiple domains (land, sea, air, space, and cyber).

Evaluate the performance of JADC2-enabled systems during combatant command exercises, ensuring alignment with joint operational goals.

Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and resolve technical and operational gaps in JADC2 integration.

Design, coordinate, and execute large-scale exercises and combatant command (COCOM) experiments that integrate unmanned systems and advanced technologies.

Partner with joint and coalition forces to evaluate innovative solutions under realistic operational conditions.

Provide real-time operational insights to improve scenario design and exercise outcomes.

Operational Expertise Integration:

Leverage naval operational experience to inform the development and evaluation of systems designed for multi-domain and joint mission environments.

Translate complex operational requirements into actionable testing objectives and system performance goals.

Partner with DIU, combatant commands, military services, and industry developers to ensure unmanned systems and JADC2 technologies meet mission demands.

Serve as a liaison between operational users, program managers, and technical teams to drive mission-focused innovation.

Analyze data from test events, exercises, and experiments to assess system performance, identify gaps, and recommend improvements.

Develop comprehensive after-action reports and deliver lessons-learned documentation to stakeholders.

Ensure all test and exercise activities adhere to safety standards, risk management protocols, and environmental considerations.

Identify risks associated with JADC2 and unmanned systems and recommend mitigation strategies.

Required Qualifications:

Military trained with a strong background in operational testing, evaluation, and exercise planning.

Experience with command-and-control technologies, unmanned systems, and advanced multi-domain platforms.

Proven expertise in supporting combatant commands and services in large-scale exercises, experiments, and operational evaluations.

Deep understanding of joint operations, mission requirements, and interoperability challenges.

Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills for complex test and exercise environments.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

Active security clearance required with TS/SCI eligible

Participation in joint and coalition exercises, warfighting experiments, or advanced operational testing.

Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and test protocols.

Experience integrating command and control or similar technologies into operational scenarios.