Lead Systems Engineer - Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) - 23927
Date: Jul 14, 2025
Location: Virginia Beach, VA, Virginia, United States
Company: HII's Mission Technologies division
Requisition Number: 23927
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $81,973.00 - $115,000.00
Security Clearance: Secret
Level of Experience: Senior
This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies’ Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination—not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems—from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers—HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy’s national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients’ toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.
Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
Summary
HII Mission Technologies is seeking a Systems Engineer to support our Ship Self-Defense System program—a mission-critical initiative focused on delivering advanced defense systems to the L-Class ships of the USN. This role blends technical precision and Combat System knowledge with government and systems collaboration to enhance integrated shipboard training for the war fighter.
This is a full-time, in-office position based in Virginia Beach, VA, offering the opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams and government partners supporting the Integrated Training Systems-Systems Engineering contract for the SSDS Engineering Agent located at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s Dam Neck Activity in Virginia Beach, VA. in a collaborative and secure environment.
Why This Role Matters
- New ship equipment and new detect and defend tactics provide new training opportunities that need to be explored.
- Changes to combat system requirements sometimes break training capabilities.
- Pier side and at Sea ship training system issues require on time engineering support.
- Advanced training capabilities to meet future CS obligations are annually scheduled on a five-year training plan.
What you will do
- Participate in external meetings to discuss new capability requirements for training systems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders including NAVSEA Warfare Centers, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare-International (PEO IWS) Program Office Systems for SSDS (PEO IWS-80), and PEO IWS-1 for Aegis as well as other Naval activities to address engineering-level issues.
- Work independently to establish an SSDS Training System of Excellence with the training of the shipboard operator(s) as the primary focus.
- Support system architecture, integration, and documentation development including Concepts of Integration, Technical Briefings, white papers and trip reports.
- Evaluate system trouble reports which implicate the training system or introduce issue with existing requirements with the training system.
- Review concepts, plans, demonstrations, and technical documents, providing analysis and recommendations.
- Perform risk assessments, evaluations, and system performance analyses
- Collaborate with program managers, engineers, security specialists, operations specialists, network specialist and shipboard testers.
- Interface directly with government customers, providing subject-matter and acquisition support.
What you must have
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience, OR
- Master’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience, OR
- PhD or Juris Doctorate in a related field (no additional experience required), OR
- High school diploma/Equivalent and 9 years of relevant experience
Technical & Regulatory Knowledge
- Experience in full lifecycle systems engineering, to include some or all; requirements & program analysis, system design, integration, testing, validation and/or deployment of complete defense or aerospace systems.
- Experience managing and/or supporting a government acquisition program
Security Clearance
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Current or active DoD Secret clearance required (must maintain throughout employment)
Preferred Requirements
- Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- Experience with Naval Surface Combat Systems, including Ship Self Defense and/or Aegis Systems.
- Experience with Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT) or Advanced Training Domain (ATD).
- Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- Knowledge of SSDS Program Management Office processes and interfacing IWS Systems
- Knowledge of combat systems, avionics, or other mission-critical defense technologies
- Strong analytical, communication, customer service and leadership skills
Physical Requirements
HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.