Senior Systems Engineer – AI & Mission Systems Integration

Washington, DC Area (Preferred) | Full-Time | TS Clearance Required (SCI Eligible)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Most AI efforts stop at prototypes.

This role focuses on integrating AI-enabled capabilities into operational mission systems supporting real-world defense and national security environments.

Blackrock Strategy, Inc. is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer – AI & Mission Systems Integration to help integrate AI-enabled capabilities into operational mission environments across defense and national security programs.

This role sits at the intersection of:

• AI-enabled software capabilities
• Mission systems integration
• Systems engineering
• Operational environments
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex integration challenges, aligning technical stakeholders, and helping emerging technologies transition into operational use.

ABOUT BLACKROCK STRATEGY, INC.

Blackrock Strategy, Inc. (BrS) is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) supporting defense, national security, and mission-focused operations across complex operational environments.

Our teams support systems integration, emerging technologies, operational assessments, mission engineering, and advanced R&D initiatives in collaboration with government, research, and engineering stakeholders.

As a smaller organization, engineers maintain direct visibility into mission activities, collaborate closely across teams, and contribute meaningfully to operational outcomes.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• AI-enabled capabilities successfully transition into operational mission environments
• Technical direction remains aligned across engineering, government, and mission stakeholders
• Integration challenges and technical risks are identified early and addressed proactively
• Requirements, interfaces, and system behaviors remain clear, traceable, and executable
• System architectures support scalability across mission and system-of-systems environments
• Cross-functional collaboration accelerates execution and reduces operational friction

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and contribute to architecture, integration, and systems engineering efforts for AI-enabled mission systems
• Coordinate across government, engineering, operational, and research stakeholders
• Contribute to the development and management of system requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies
• Support MBSE and digital engineering activities related to system architecture and traceability
• Develop and maintain system models, architecture views, interface definitions, and technical documentation
• Identify technical risks, integration gaps, and operational dependencies across interconnected systems
• Translate technical concepts into clear, actionable guidance for leadership and stakeholders
• Participate in verification, validation, rapid prototyping, and operational integration activities
• Assist with system-of-systems integration and mission alignment efforts
• Support evaluation of emerging technologies, autonomy platforms, AI-enabled systems, and advanced mission capabilities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
• At least 5 years of experience supporting systems engineering, integration, architecture, or technical coordination activities
• Experience operating within defense, Intelligence Community, aerospace, or advanced R&D environments
• Familiarity with AI-enabled systems, advanced analytics, autonomy platforms, or emerging technologies
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools such as SysML, Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar platforms
• Familiarity with distributed systems, API-driven architectures, cloud-enabled platforms, or modern software integration environments
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into actionable insight
• Ability to operate effectively across multiple stakeholders and organizations
• Experience supporting requirements management, interface coordination, or integration activities
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting advanced research and engineering initiatives
• Familiarity with operational mission systems or autonomy platforms
• Experience with system-of-systems integration efforts
• Exposure to digital engineering or MBSE environments
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS or similar
• Prior support to government, SETA, or mission-focused engineering organizations
• Familiarity with cloud-native engineering, DevSecOps, or containerized deployment environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Supports government, SETA, and mission-focused engineering environments
• Washington, DC area preferred
• Hybrid or limited remote support may be considered for highly qualified candidates
• Frequent interaction with government leadership, engineering teams, and mission stakeholders
• Fast-paced environment supporting operationally focused technology initiatives

BENEFITS

• 401(k) matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off and parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral program

Compensation for this role is highly competitive and aligned to technical background, systems engineering experience, clearance level, and mission expertise.

Senior-level compensation for qualified candidates is expected to start in the low- to mid-$100Ks, with flexibility based on experience, technical depth, and overall alignment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Blackrock Strategy, Inc. is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination. We recruit, hire, and advance qualified individuals based on merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We also take affirmative action to employ and advance veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal requirements.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Human Resources department.