SOFTWARE SYSTEMS ENGINEER

JOB SUMMARY: The Software Systems Engineer Chief will lead the technical execution of advanced ground software systems supporting NASA Innovation Lab with the U.S. Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) Program. This role is responsible for end-to-end leadership of the Search and Rescue Intelligence for REscue Navigation (SIREN) software development effort and its integration into the SAR Intelligent Terminal (SAINT) system.

The successful candidate will manage the full software lifecycle-from requirements derivation and architecture through development, integration, testing, and critical design review (CDR)-with minimal government intervention. The role emphasizes the application of AI/ML techniques to improve distress beacon location accuracy by fusing data from multiple internal and external databases, delivering high-confidence operational solutions to mission users.

This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role requiring deep experience in software systems engineering, AI-enabled systems, safety-critical government software, and multi-disciplinary team leadership. Location: This is a hybrid position requiring on-site support at Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD) at least 1 day per week (subject to change), with the remaining days worked remotely from home.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

Technical & Systems Leadership

• Serve as the technical authority and chief systems engineer for the SIREN software effort, overseeing architecture, design, integration, and verification activities.
• Lead the enhancement and integration of the SIREN AI tool suite into the SAINT operational software environment.
• Ensure system designs support high-confidence distress beacon location prediction through data fusion, pattern recognition, and AI-driven analytics.

Software Lifecycle & Requirements Management

• Manage the full software development lifecycle in accordance with NPR 7150.2D and GPR 7150.1, from formulation through prototype development and CDR.
• Derive and manage lower-level software requirements from government-provided L1/L2 (SIREN) and L3 (SAINT) requirements.
• Maintain bidirectional traceability between requirements, design, implementation, and verification artifacts.
• Review existing SAINT open work items and incorporate appropriate updates as part of system enhancements.

AI & Data Integration

• Lead the application of AI/ML methods to analyze multi-source data, enhance low-confidence inputs, and improve initial distress beacon location accuracy.
• Oversee integration of data from SARSAT registration databases, incident history systems, and external information sources.
• Ensure AI models are explainable, reliable, and suitable for mission-critical operational use.

Project Execution & Team Leadership

• Provide senior-level engineering management to ensure successful execution with minimal government oversight.
• Coordinate project management, software development, testing, systems engineering, and integration activities across a multi-disciplinary team.
• Prepare and lead major technical reviews, including Critical Design Review (CDR).
• Support future task modifications extending development through system completion.

Documentation & Deliverables

• Develop and approve required technical documentation as defined in the SOW deliverables, including requirements documents, design artifacts, and review materials.
• Ensure compliance with Class B (tailored) software standards for SIREN and alignment of SAINT updates to the same rigor level.

REQUIREMENTS:

Technical Expertise

• Strong background in software systems engineering, requirements development, and lifecycle management.
• Experience with AI/ML-enabled systems, data fusion, or advanced analytics in operational environments.
• Proven ability to integrate software systems with multiple databases and external data sources.
• Familiarity with NASA or government software standards, including NPR 7150.2D or comparable frameworks.
• Experience with ground software development, integration, and test.

Leadership & Execution

• Ability to operate as a senior technical authority with minimal government direction.
• Proven success leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams across project management, development, test, and integration.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to government stakeholders and mission users.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: 20 years of relevant experience which may include educational degree.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: US Citizenship is required, and Section 508 (Agency Standards) is applicable. Ability to obtain required National Agency Check (NAC) clearance.

ABOUT US: At MCSG Technologies, we believe the path to success begins by empowering our employees to do what is best for our customers. This helps create value for our customers and business partners through efficiencies and cost-effective relationships that are built on trust, while delivering on-time and within budget. Our company ethos is simple Empowered to serve our customers, our communities, our colleagues. If you would like to learn more, please visit our website at www.mcsgtech.com or find us on Glassdoor.

BENEFITS OFFERED: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, parental leave, paid time off, holidays and more. Learn more about MCSG Technologies benefits: https://www.mcsgtech.com/benefits/.

COLORADO'S EQUAL PAY ACT: In compliance with Colorados Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; MCSG Technologies considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidates work experience, education/training, and key skills.

EOE STATEMENT: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)