Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer Level 4

Engineering

Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer Level 4 Huntsville, AL Posted: 9/16/2026

Job Description

Job ID#:

225534

Job Category:

Engineering

Position Type:

Associate - W2

Shift:

1

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer Level 4, in Huntsville, AL. Job ID#225534

Job Description:

This position will initially focus on developing and specifying requirements for advanced rocket motor manufacturing facilities.

The Systems Engineer will be responsible for developing comprehensive system and facility requirements that support the specification, design, and production of propulsion and energetics systems, with initial emphasis on rocket motor manufacturing facilities. In this role, the engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that requirements are properly defined, communicated, and met throughout the design and production phases. The position also includes responsibility for coordinating project planning activities, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation, to support timely project completion. The Systems Engineer will identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and help ensure successful execution of project objectives. Regular communication of findings, status, and recommendations through written reports and oral presentations to stakeholders at multiple levels is also a key part of the role.

A significant portion of the position will focus on requirement development, including creating and documenting system, subsystem, and component requirements while ensuring alignment with project goals, technical standards, and customer needs. The Systems Engineer will be responsible for the derivation, allocation, and documentation of requirements, as well as managing related specification changes in coordination with integrated product team members. This role will also involve maintaining requirements within a database and ensuring full traceability across the project lifecycle.

In addition, the Systems Engineer will perform functional analysis and coordinate system trade studies to support the selection of optimized concept baselines. This work will include evaluating benefit and cost tradeoffs in support of overall system architecture and program objectives. The role also requires close collaboration with integrated product teams to manage schedules, address resource constraints, and ensure key milestones are achieved. Risk assessment and risk management activities will be conducted regularly, with mitigation strategies and progress clearly documented and communicated. The Systems Engineer will also represent the organization in meetings and teleconferences to resolve critical issues, coordinate work efforts, and support successful program execution.

Skills:

Required:

At least 6 years of relevant experience in systems engineering.

Technical communication skills

Desired:

An advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred.

Experience with tools like IBM DOORs and Model-Based Systems Engineering methodologies is preferred.

Knowledge of rocket motor manufacturing, process flow development and optimization preferred.

Coursework in Systems Engineering (requirements management, risk management, product development cycle) disciplines and liquid and solid rocket propulsion preferred.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance:

Secret

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled