Portfolio Systems Engineer Lead (Secret)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Portfolio Systems Engineer Lead to support a classified, next‑generation EO/IR program portfolio in Westminster, CO. This role is responsible for building and maturing systems engineering capabilities across a multi‑program environment, driving standardization, and establishing strong technical baselines. The ideal candidate is a systems engineering leader who can implement structure, mentor teams, and champion systems thinking across engineering and program organizations.

Work Environment:

Full‑time, on‑site role in Westminster, CO with a 9/80 schedule, supporting a highly classified program focused on next‑generation air‑to‑space and maritime‑to‑space sensing systems.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and mature a Systems Engineering (SE) function within a production‑scaling, multi‑program environment.
• Develop and standardize SE processes, templates, and workflows across program lifecycle stages (Pre‑Award, EMD, LRIP).
• Lead implementation and management of the technical baseline, including configuration control processes such as ERBs and CCBs.
• Promote and embed systems thinking across the organization, educating program managers, chief engineers, and technical staff.
• Mentor and train junior and mid‑level engineers in disciplined systems engineering practices.
• Drive alignment of systems engineering activities across multidisciplinary teams including hardware, software, and integration.
• Ensure consistency and quality of engineering deliverables, documentation, and system artifacts across the portfolio.
• Support program reviews, technical discussions, and cross‑functional decision‑making.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering processes, tools, and collaboration across programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Extensive experience in systems engineering leadership within defense, aerospace, or complex system environments.
• Proven experience building or scaling systems engineering processes across multiple programs.
• Strong understanding of technical baselines, configuration management, and change control processes.
• Experience developing SE workflows across different program phases (Pre‑Award, EMD, Production).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and influence cross‑functional teams.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to drive cultural and organizational change.

Preferred:

• Expert‑level experience with MBSE tools and methodologies.
• Experience with Jama or other requirements management tools.
• Background supporting EO/IR, space, or multi‑domain defense systems.
• Experience implementing enterprise‑level digital engineering strategies.

Clearance Requirement:

• Active Secret clearance required with SAP eligibility.

Compensation:

• Pay range: $235,000 - $260,000 (Based on years of relevant experience)

Benefits: 

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, 25 days paid time off, 11 federal holidays, and sick leave.



Application Period: Opens on 06/23/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

#LI-NJ1

#LI-Onsite