Systems Engineer Level 6 (AI Systems Architecture & Governance)

Systems Engineer Level 6 (AI Systems Architecture & Governance)

woodcons.com

Location: Fort Meade, Maryland, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift: Day

Telework: None

Salary Range: **$200,000 TO $250,000 per year

** Starting salary is based on minimum education and years of experience and increases based on education and/or experience.

WOOD Federal Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Systems Engineer Level 6 to serve as a senior technical leader supporting mission-critical initiatives focused on the development, integration, evaluation, and operationalization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities within a complex government environment.

The successful candidate will partner with senior government leadership, mission stakeholders, and cross-functional engineering teams to develop enterprise-level standards, frameworks, architectures, and governance approaches supporting human-in-the-loop and human-on-the-loop AI systems. This position requires exceptional systems thinking, technical leadership, stakeholder engagement, and engineering judgment.

The Systems Engineer Level 6 will help shape the future direction of AI-enabled mission capabilities while ensuring solutions remain trustworthy, operationally relevant, scalable, and aligned with evolving mission objectives.

Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires all candidates to be U.S. Citizens and possess an active TS/SCI Security Clearance with a Polygraph.

Enterprise Systems Engineering Leadership

• Apply advanced systems engineering principles throughout the system lifecycle, including concept development, requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, validation, deployment, operations, sustainment, and retirement.
• Lead engineering activities involving complex, enterprise-impacting mission capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholder organizations.
• Establish technical approaches, methodologies, and engineering strategies for mission-critical initiatives.

AI Architecture, Standards & Governance

• Lead development of enterprise-level standards supporting human-in-the-loop and human-on-the-loop AI systems.
• Advise government leadership on AI systems integration, governance, trustworthiness, and operational implementation strategies.
• Develop architectural approaches that balance mission effectiveness, automation, user trust, and operational constraints.
• Evaluate and recommend technical standards, governance models, and engineering practices supporting AI-enabled mission systems.

Test, Evaluation & Trustworthiness Frameworks

• Direct development and implementation of frameworks used to assess AI system trustworthiness, effectiveness, transparency, and operational suitability.
• Lead evaluation efforts involving complex mission and technical trade-offs.
• Ensure engineering products, assessments, and recommendations maintain technical integrity and mission relevance.
• Approve delivery of major engineering work products and technical recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Executive Advisory Support

• Serve as a senior engineering advisor to government leadership and key stakeholders.
• Lead executive-level technical briefings, working groups, and decision forums.
• Communicate complex engineering concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Facilitate alignment among mission, engineering, operational, and leadership stakeholders.

Innovation & Technical Problem Solving

• Independently resolve complex engineering challenges requiring advanced technical expertise.
• Lead analysis of alternatives involving emerging technologies and mission-critical systems.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, modernization, and capability advancement.
• Serve as a recognized subject matter expert within one or more engineering disciplines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of twenty (20) years of systems engineering experience supporting complex technical programs, consistent with SE Level VI requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale systems engineering initiatives across multiple lifecycle phases and organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a technical authority and subject matter expert within one or more engineering disciplines.
• Experience developing enterprise-level engineering strategies, architectures, standards, or governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to independently resolve highly complex engineering issues and provide authoritative technical recommendations.
• Experience advising senior leadership on technical strategy, risk, and capability development.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Intelligence Community (IC) programs.
• Experience supporting Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), autonomous systems, advanced analytics, or emerging technology initiatives.
• Experience developing enterprise AI governance, trustworthiness, testing, evaluation, or standards frameworks.
• Experience shaping technical direction across multiple programs, organizations, or mission areas.
• Master's degree or PhD in a related technical discipline.
• Experience serving as a Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, Technical Director, or equivalent senior engineering role.
• Experience supporting strategic technology transformation initiatives within mission environments.

Fringe Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policy including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and remote work options.
• Wellness Programs: Employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and gym membership discounts.

Why Join Us?

• Career Growth: Take advantage of professional development opportunities and career advancement. As a vital part of impactful projects, you will have the chance to drive innovation and shape the future of government systems engineering.

• Supportive Environment: Work in a collaborative and flexible environment that values work-life balance. Join a team of top-tier professionals and engage in dynamic, cross-functional collaboration. Your strategic mindset and proactive approach will be highly valued and supported.

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We recognize and reward your expertise and dedication to excellence.

WOOD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.