Senior Engineer - Systems Engineering, Integration, & Test

Are you ready to take charge at the cutting edge of national defense? Leidos is seeking a dynamic Senior Systems Engineer to join our SEI&T team at Ft. Belvoir, VA. In this role, you'll directly impact the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Special Access Program Central Office (SAPCO), where innovation meets national security.

In this high-stakes position, you'll be the linchpin in developing, integrating, and securing advanced missile defense technologies. Your work will not only protect sensitive information but also shape the future of our defense capabilities. This is more than a job-it's a chance to leave your mark on national security.

Primary Responsibilities

Guard Critical Technologies: Lead taskforce efforts to evaluate technology integration with a laser focus on protecting critical program information (CPI). Help facilitate LO/CLO Coordination Panel (LCCP) working group. Cultivate solutions and build consensus with radar subject matter experts. Prepare and present staff packages and summary briefings for coordination through leadership.

Design Robust Test Architectures: Independently assess and define the security needs of missile defense systems-including sensors, interceptors, weapon systems, and communications. Develop fully integrated test architectures in collaboration with program offices and guide the seamless implementation of these designs. Conduct formal risk assessments and implement effective risk management strategies to safeguard CPI and ensure comprehensive security measures are applied to sensitive testing performed in multi-level security environments.

Drive Engineering Excellence: Steer a cross-functional engineering team through critical reviews and technical analysis of program requirements, specifications, test plans, and overall program strategies. Your innovative designs and coordination will pave the way for effective development, testing, and fielding of next-generation missile defense capabilities.

Execute Specialized Security Strategies: From crafting complex Program Protection Plans to developing Security Classification Guide architectures, you'll deploy custom-tailored security engineering actions to meet a variety of high-stakes assignments and timelines.

Basic Qualifications

Educational & Professional Credentials: A Master's degree from an accredited college/university in science/engineering with 10+ years of engineering experience

Clearance Credentials: An active DoD Top Secret security clearance with TS/SCI eligibility is a must, ensuring you're ready to work in the most sensitive areas of national defense.

Missile Defense Mastery: Experience in DoD/W environments and/or previous Missile Defense experience (sensors, interceptors, C2BMC, FMS, LO/CLO) is a must to operate in this diverse organization

Communication Pro: Exceptional technical writing, editing and verbal communication skills, to include briefing senior leaders and ability to adjust to audience feedback real-time, shows your clarity and decisiveness under pressure

Coordination Guru: Background in Action Officer roles and exhibiting a strong, proactive work ethic by steering teammates and processes, frequent task status updates, follow up, and meeting suspense deadlines driven by time sensitive developmental and operational events.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Programs Savvy: A background in DoD special programs and familiarity with DoD SAP policy and security posture demonstrates your ability to thrive in complex, multi-dimensional security environments.

Detail-Oriented Proficiency: Your extreme attention to detail and organizational expertise ensure every facet of security is meticulously managed

Exquisite Memory Repository: Dedication to learning and retaining key program details, classification tear lines, and personnel roles allows for timely assessments and coordination

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:
January 20, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.