Software Systems Engineer- Security Clearance Required

at  Blackrock Strategy

Blackrock Strategy LLC (BrS) is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions to both government and commercial clients. Our expertise spans the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, private equity, high-net-worth families, and business leaders, offering innovative, tailored support to meet their most pressing needs.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Software Systems Engineer will work on mission-critical DoD programs, where you will leverage both systems engineering and software expertise to drive the design, development, and acquisition of advanced systems. This position requires an in-depth understanding of both software development and the DoD acquisition lifecycle, from requirements analysis to final system deployment. You will ensure that all software solutions meet rigorous performance, reliability, and security standards while adhering to DoD processes and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the software systems engineering efforts for DoD acquisition programs, including design, development, integration, and testing.
• Support the development of system architectures, specifications, and requirements to ensure compliance with DoD standards and program needs.
• Manage software development efforts within the context of DoD acquisition programs, ensuring deliverables align with project timelines, budgets, and performance criteria.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (software developers, hardware engineers, and acquisition managers) to integrate system components in a highly regulated environment.
• Develop, refine, and document system-level requirements, capabilities, and interfaces, ensuring full traceability from requirement to deployment.
• Oversee system validation and verification efforts, including test planning, execution, and reporting, in accordance with DoD standards and acquisition processes (e.g., MIL-STD-498, CMMI).
• Ensure software compliance with cybersecurity and security certification requirements (e.g., RMF, NIST 800-53).
• Participate in system lifecycle management, providing input and solutions through each phase of the DoD acquisition lifecycle, from concept development to production and sustainment.
• Conduct system analysis to optimize software performance and ensure the system meets or exceeds operational requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance in the preparation of acquisition documentation, such as Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and System Engineering Plans (SEPs).
• Support risk management and configuration management processes, identifying and mitigating risks to system development and acquisition milestones.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in software systems engineering, with a focus on DoD acquisition programs.
• Strong expertise in software development, with proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Java, or similar.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded systems, or software/hardware integration in a defense or government environment.
• Knowledge of the DoD acquisition process, including the development and management of DoD programs through phases like Milestone A, B, C, and Full-Rate Production.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes, such as requirements analysis, system design, verification, validation, and configuration management, in a DoD context.
• Experience with key DoD standards, such as MIL-STD-498, CMMI, RMF, and other applicable security or certification frameworks.
• Strong understanding of system-level testing and verification in the DoD context, including cybersecurity and performance testing.
• Ability to navigate and support the preparation of acquisition documents, including RFPs, SEPs, and other contractual deliverables.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders, including government program managers, acquisition officials, and contractors.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (e.g., Secret, Top Secret).

Preferred Skills:

• Active DoD security clearance.
• Experience with DOD 5000.87 software acquisition framework
• Familiarity with Agile or DevSecOps methodologies in a defense environment.
• Experience with cloud systems, IoT, or distributed systems for defense applications.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and risk management frameworks.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read in English to analyze and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, government regulations, and procedure manuals. Ability to write in English for routine reports and correspondence.

• Lead the software systems engineering efforts for DoD acquisition programs, including design, development, integration, and testing.
• Support the development of system architectures, specifications, and requirements to ensure compliance with DoD standards and program needs.
• Manage software development efforts within the context of DoD acquisition programs, ensuring deliverables align with project timelines, budgets, and performance criteria.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (software developers, hardware engineers, and acquisition managers) to integrate system components in a highly regulated environment.
• Develop, refine, and document system-level requirements, capabilities, and interfaces, ensuring full traceability from requirement to deployment.
• Oversee system validation and verification efforts, including test planning, execution, and reporting, in accordance with DoD standards and acquisition processes (e.g., MIL-STD-498, CMMI).
• Ensure software compliance with cybersecurity and security certification requirements (e.g., RMF, NIST 800-53).
• Participate in system lifecycle management, providing input and solutions through each phase of the DoD acquisition lifecycle, from concept development to production and sustainment.
• Conduct system analysis to optimize software performance and ensure the system meets or exceeds operational requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance in the preparation of acquisition documentation, such as Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and System Engineering Plans (SEPs).
• Support risk management and configuration management processes, identifying and mitigating risks to system development and acquisition milestones