Systems Engineer

Salary Range: $160,107.00 To $166,037.00 Annually ARES has an exciting opportunity for a Systems Engineer supporting the Engineering, Professional, and Administrative Support Services (EPASS) Contract at Peterson SFB with modernization activities. In this role, you will support the Government program office by providing independent technical evaluation of contractor-led software modernization and development activities, including software architecture, algorithm performance, open systems architecture, communications, and data strategies. This is a full-time position at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. This role is hybrid with approximately 1-2 days remote based on Government discretion. Travel may be required to CONUS and OCUNS locations (approx. 10%). Duties include: Provide engineering oversight across the entire technical baseline. Review and assess the prime contractor's systems engineering plans, processes, and artifacts to ensure they align with Government objectives and best practices. Review and provide technical recommendations on the full set of contractor-developed system and subsystem requirements, ensuring they are clear, verifiable, and properly allocated and traced. Oversee and assess contractor-led engineering trade studies, providing the Government with independent analysis of alternatives to ensure decisions balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk across the portfolio. Manage and provide oversight of the requirements verification process. This includes reviewing and assessing the contractor’s Verification and Validation (V&V) plans, Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), and the Requirements Verification Matrix (RVM). Manage the Government's oversight of the deficiency reporting process. Track and report on the status of all identified system deficiencies, ensuring they are properly documented, prioritized, and driven to resolution by the contractor. Evaluate the overall system architecture, including external and internal interfaces, to ensure it is robust, scalable, and compliant with Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) principles. Monitor system integration activities, identify potential cross-domain (hardware, software, cybersecurity) integration risks, and provide the Government with risk mitigation strategies. Provide continuous technical support and recommendations to the Government team throughout all phases of the acquisition lifecycle, including major technical reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR), configuration management, and system-level testing. Assist with Configuration Control Boards, Engineering Trades, Requirements Verification, Requirements Mapping, and all aspects of baseline management at all levels of the program to include the portfolio/system-of-systems level Minimum Required Qualifications Clearance: Ability to obtain or a current Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain Top Secret Education: High School Diploma Years of Experience: 15 years of directly related experience; to include 8 years of DoD experience; OR Bachelor's Degree in a related field and twelve (12) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline; to include five (5) years of DoD experience; OR Master's or Doctorate Degree in a related field and ten (10) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline; to include five (5) years of DoD experience Required Technical Skills: 15+ years of experience in systems engineering on complex defense or aerospace programs. Demonstrated leadership experience on an ACAT I/II Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP), with direct responsibility for system-of-systems integration. Demonstrated experience on a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) or other large-scale (ACAT I/II) programs. Expertise in requirements management, verification and validation, and Test & Evaluation (T&E) in a DoD environment. Proven experience developing and implementing a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) strategy on a large program. Ability to manage complex technical trades and interface challenges in a multi-contractor environment. ARES Benefits: ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in: Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance HSA/FSA Accounts Life & Disability Insurance Critical Illness & Accident Insurance ESOP 401(k) Plan Paid Time Off & Holidays ARES is an equal opportunity employer and complies with E-Verify. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive 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. ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 601.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Our stated salary range represents a general guideline. However, ARES considers a number of factors when determining salary offers such as current market conditions, the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, and skills. *Applications are going to be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position has been filled.