Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer (Chief Engineer – AI/MBSE) 

Location: Washington, DC (Preferred) 

Clearance: Active TS with SCI eligibility 

About Blackrock Strategy 

Blackrock Strategy Inc. (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 War (DoW) U.S.Intelligence Community (IC), private equity, high-net-worth families, and business leaders, offering innovative, tailored support to meet their most pressing needs.  

Our mission is to provide tailored expertise to optimize resources and reduce risk, protecting the interests of government agencies, businesses, and individuals. We deliver expert assessments and proactive strategies to ensure safety, resilience, and relevance in a dynamic world.  

At Blackrock Strategy, we believe in investing in our people. When you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that challenge and inspire you, surrounded by a team that values your ideas and contributions.  

Position Overview 

Serve as the technical authority driving Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled system architecture for a high-priority Research & Engineering (R&E) Multi Domain Collaborative Autonomy (MDCA) effort. 

Blackrock Strategy is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to operate in a Chief Engineer capacity, or a senior systems engineer ready to step into that role, leading the design, integration, and alignment of advanced AI-enabled systems within a complex, multi-organizational environment. 

This role sits at the intersection of AI-driven software development and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), ensuring technical direction is cohesive, scalable, and aligned across stakeholders. 

The position will interface directly with leading research and engineering organizations, including MIT Lincoln Laboratory and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, as well as government leadership and mission partners. 

What Success Looks Like 

Success in this role means: 

• Technical direction is clearly defined and aligned across government, research, and engineering stakeholders  
• AI-enabled capabilities are effectively integrated into system architectures and mission workflows  
• Cross-organizational collaboration is efficient, coordinated, and productive  
• System architecture decisions are scalable, adaptable, and aligned to mission objectives  
• Requirements, interfaces, and system behaviors are clearly defined and traceable through MBSE artifacts  
• Risks, integration gaps, and technical challenges are identified early and mitigated proactively  
• Leadership receives clear, actionable insight into system performance, tradeoffs, and technical direction 

Key Responsibilities 

• Serve as Chief Engineer supporting Multi Domain Collaborative Autonomy (MDCA) initiatives across AI-enabled systems 
• Lead system architecture development, integrating Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning capabilities into mission systems 
• Define, decompose, and trace system requirements using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies 
• Develop and maintain systems models using Systems Modeling Language (SysML) to support architecture decisions and system understanding 
• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, MagicDraw) to define and evolve architectures 
• Define system interfaces, data flows, and integration points across system components 
• Support verification and validation (V&V) planning to ensure system performance aligns with requirements 
• Interface directly with government stakeholders and senior technical leadership 
• Coordinate across external research and engineering partners (e.g., MIT Lincoln Labs, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)). 
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable guidance for leadership 
• Identify and mitigate technical risks, integration challenges, and architectural gaps 
• Support rapid prototyping, experimentation, and transition of advanced capabilities 
• Ensure alignment across system-of-systems architecture (multiple interconnected systems working together) and mission objectives 

Required Qualifications 

• Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility 
• 10 years of experience in systems engineering within Department of War (DoW), U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), or advanced Research & Development (R&D) environments 
• Demonstrated experience operating in a technical leadership or Chief Engineer–level role (or readiness to step into one) 
• Strong background in AI/ML-enabled systems or AI-based software development 
• Hands-on experience with MBSE tools and frameworks (SysML, Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar) 
• Experience with requirements development, interface definition, and system integration 
• Proven ability to work across multiple organizations and stakeholders in complex environments 
• Strong communication skills with the ability to brief senior leadership and technical teams 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience supporting Research & Engineering advanced concepts, or emerging technology initiatives 
• Familiarity with autonomous systems, decision support systems, or advanced analytics platforms 
• Prior collaboration with organizations such as MIT Lincoln Labs or APL 
• Experience in system-of-systems architecture and integration 
• Experience with tools such as DOORS or other requirements management platforms 

Important Note 

This is not a purely execution-focused engineering role. 

This position requires an individual who can operate at the intersection of deep technical expertise and strategic leadership, providing direction across AI-enabled systems while aligning multiple organizations toward a common architecture and mission outcome. 

Work Environment 

This role is based in government and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA)- support workspaces in Washington, DC (strongly preferred) , with remote support considered on a limited basis. 

The position operates in a high-visibility, fast-paced R&D environment, requiring frequent interaction with government leadership, research organizations, and engineering teams. 

Language Skills 

Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts in English, both verbally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences. 

Ability to prepare executive-level briefings, technical summaries, and architectural guidance. 

Reasoning Ability 

Ability to evaluate complex system architectures, analyze technical tradeoffs, and synthesize input from multiple organizations into cohesive, actionable direction. 

Capable of identifying risks, integration challenges, and system impacts while applying sound engineering judgment. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Blackrock Strategy LLC is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prioritize a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, actively recruiting, employing, and promoting qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class under applicable law.

Blackrock Strategy actively supports veterans and individuals with disabilities, complying with VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process may contact Human Resources at 256-429-3608.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance