PACAF Lead Systems Engineer

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MITRE | Indo-Pacific Regional Operations (N554) is where frontline defense meets cutting-edge innovation. Based in Hawaii and operating at the heart of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), our team plays a critical role in shaping the future of joint and coalition military operations across one of the most strategically important regions in the world.

As a forward-deployed force multiplier, we partner with warfighters, senior commanders, and Service Components to accelerate operational advantage through mission-driven analysis, C4I systems integration, and rapid concept development. From real-time support to live operations and joint exercises, to influencing the next generation of Command and Control (C2) technologies, our team is embedded where the action is-and where it matters most.

N554 brings deep operational insight to the development of Concepts of Operation (CONOPS), mission threads, and capability assessments. We connect frontline realities to emerging tech, bridging operational gaps with rapid, relevant, and resilient solutions. We also strengthen ties between U.S. forces and our Indo-Pacific Allies, enabling stronger coalition interoperability and shared modernization efforts.

This is not your typical desk job-this is national security at the operational edge. It's high-impact, high-tempo work that shapes real-world outcomes across the Pacific Theater. And yes, it's Hawaii-a unique setting where purpose meets paradise.

If you're ready to make a difference, influence mission outcomes, and work in one of the most geopolitically vital regions on Earth, join N554 and be part of something bigger.

Roles and Responsibilities:

MITRE | Indo-Pacific Regional Operations is at the leading edge of defense innovation and operational integration. As a Lead Systems Engineer partnering with Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), you will help transform how U.S. Air Force and Joint forces plan, execute, and adapt in the Indo-Pacific Theater-one of the most dynamic and strategically consequential regions in the world.

This is more than a technical role. You will serve as a strategic enabler co-located and collaborating with our sponsors at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, applying systems thinking and mission-driven engineering to some of the most complex operational challenges facing our warfighters today. From shaping airspace strategies to enabling data-informed decisions for major joint exercises, you will deliver technical insight that directly drives mission outcomes.

In this role, you will be a catalyst for innovation-connecting operational imperatives with emerging technologies and rapid prototyping efforts-while ensuring seamless coordination across Combatant Command (COCOM) and Component equities. You will also play a key role in strengthening interoperability and coalition integration, aligning U.S. efforts with regional partners to create a more resilient and unified front across the Indo-Pacific.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead operationally focused systems engineering efforts in partnership with PACAF's Directorate of Operations (A3), with a focus on enhancing mission planning, airspace deconfliction, and exercise execution.
• Provide independent objective data drive solution to inform and guide decision making to senior leaders within PACAF Headquarters and the 613th Air Operations Center (AOC), translating complex operational needs into actionable engineering strategies.
• Drive mission-informed innovation through rapid concept development, integration of emerging capabilities, and agile systems-of-systems engineering approaches tailored to joint and coalition air operations.
• Collaborate across Service Components and COCOM stakeholders to synchronize mission planning efforts, training range usage, and multi-domain operations planning.
• Facilitate cross-domain coordination between kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities, ensuring integrated planning and execution aligned with evolving Pacific Theater priorities.
• Inform development of future operational concepts (CONOPS), mission threads, and capability assessments, connecting current warfighter needs to future Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and C4I architectures.
• Support and influence strategic interoperability efforts with U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on shared training, operational synchronization, and modernization.
• Shape project outcomes by leveraging MITRE's broader enterprise capabilities-data analytics, modeling and simulation, cyber, AI/ML-to create resilient, impactful, and enduring solutions.
• Contribute to building and growing MITRE's forward presence in Hawaii, helping to shape a high-performing regional team and deepening institutional relationships across INDOPACOM.

This is a unique opportunity for an engineer with operational fluency and a systems mindset to directly influence the success of joint and coalition missions in a high-tempo, high-stakes environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Computer), Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field, and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 6 years of experience; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of related education and professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience applying systems engineering principles and methods to operational challenges involving systems of systems in the defense domain.
• Familiarity with Department of Defense operational environments, including joint and service component missions, organizational structures, and planning cycles.
• Prior experience working in secure, classified government facilities, with a strong understanding of operational tempo and sponsor engagement protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technical, operational, and policy factors into mission planning or capability assessments.
• Proven track record of communicating complex technical and operational concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences-including senior military leaders and technical teams.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including collaboration across geographically distributed teams and joint/coalition partners.
• Active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access.
• This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site presence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant technical field such as Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Operations Research, Applied Physics, or Computer Science.
• Experience supporting or advising Department of the Air Force, particularly at the MAJCOM, AOC, or Air Staff level.
• Operational domain knowledge in at least one of the following areas: airspace control and coordination, large-scale joint exercises, training range infrastructure, or mission planning for air operations.
• Familiarity with Pacific Theater-specific operational dynamics, including Indo-Pacific joint force structures, command relationships, and allied integration mechanisms.
• Experience with joint operational planning tools (e.g., TBMCS, JADOCS, JTIMS), modeling and simulation environments, or digital mission engineering platforms.
• Knowledge of JADC2 concepts, C4I architectures, or emerging technologies relevant to contested communications or distributed operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or contribute to multi-disciplinary teams solving complex technical and mission integration problems.
• Working knowledge of MITRE's internal capabilities, project management tools, and technical quality review processes.
• Experience shaping strategic outcomes or transition pathways for new concepts and capabilities in partnership with Combatant Commands or U.S. allies.
• Interest in or experience with MITRE leadership roles such as project lead, task lead, or department-level strategic contributor.
• Possession of an active TS/SCI security clearance.

As part of MITRE's Push to the Pacific initiative, employees hired to this requisition may be eligible to participate in a Hawaii Rotational Incentive program. For select positions with high demand and difficult to fill skill sets, MITRE is proud to offer selected staff the opportunity to receive a 15% lump sum payment each year, for up to 3 years. The above figures are based on current base salary upon selection to the Hawaii Rotational Rotation Program, less tax withholding and other applicable deductions.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Top Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI

Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$142,000 - $177,500 - $213,000 Annual

Work Location Type:
Hybrid

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All 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. For further information please visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website Know Your Rights Poster.

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