Systems Engineer II – Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

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Job Description:

Systems Engineer II – Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Parsons is looking for a Systems Engineer (MBSE) to join our team in Dahlgren, VA! In this role you will join the fight at an exciting time when naval surface weapons are needed as much as ever. New and emerging threats continue to present challenges that we meet with novel approaches to combat adapting enemy tactics. At Dahlgren, we are working to bring new technology to the Warfighter, continuously improve system performance, and ensure the US Navy maintains the solutions required for ship self-defense while bringing the means to project force.

Work is on-site at NSWC Dahlgren in King George, VA.

Project Background Parsons is providing support to the Gun Weapon System (GWS) program, specifically within the MK 160 Gun Computer System (GCS). This USN Program of Record provides the fire control solution and gun mount control to accurately aim and fire the naval surface guns aboard multiple classes of ships in the fleet. GWS with GCS is integrated as a certified element of the AEGIS Combat System. Our system engineers bring critical skills to support the development, test, integration, and deployment of in-service systems.

Position Summary We are seeking a motivated and technically capable Systems Engineer to support the modernization of a fielded Program of Record through the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices. The successful candidate will work within a System-of-Systems (SoS) environment that integrates legacy software, existing operational capabilities, external platforms, sensors, and emerging mission requirements.

A primary focus of this role is developing and maintaining MBSE artifacts that enable understanding, analysis, and modernization of a legacy Ada-based software architecture as it transitions toward a modular Java-based architecture. The engineer will use MBSE methods and tools to document system behavior, interfaces, dependencies, functional decomposition, and software architecture, providing a foundation for software refactoring, modularization, maintainability improvements, and rapid integration of new sensor capabilities.

The position requires close collaboration with systems engineers, software architects, software developers, test engineers, and platform engineering teams to ensure models accurately represent the current and future-state architecture and support engineering decision-making throughout the modernization effort.

MBSE and Architecture Development

• Develop, maintain, and refine MBSE models representing system, subsystem, and software architecture within a System-of-Systems environment.

• Create and manage architecture products using SysML and related modeling methodologies.

• Use Cameo Systems Modeler to capture:

  • Operational concepts
  • System requirements
  • Functional architectures
  • Logical architectures
  • Interface definitions
  • Software component relationships
  • Data flows and dependencies

• Establish traceability between requirements, functions, software components, interfaces, and verification activities.

• Support development of digital engineering artifacts that communicate architecture and design intent across engineering disciplines.

Software Modernization Support

• Analyze and model existing legacy software architectures and dependencies to support migration from Ada to Java.

• Work with software architects and development teams to represent current-state ("as-is") and future-state ("to-be") software architectures.

• Model software services, modules, interfaces, data exchanges, and architectural patterns that promote:

  • Increased modularity
  • Reduced coupling
  • Improved maintainability
  • Reuse of software components
  • Easier integration of new capabilities

• Support identification of opportunities for service decomposition, abstraction layers, and interface standardization.

• Develop architecture views that help software teams understand impacts of modernization decisions and code refactoring activities.

Support Platform Modeling and Digital Engineering

• Facilitate architecture reviews, model walkthroughs, and technical working groups.

• Translate complex software architecture concepts into understandable model views for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Support requirements analysis, trade studies, modernization planning, and technical baseline reviews.

• Provide MBSE guidance and support to software development teams and other engineering disciplines.

What required skills and experience you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.

• 3+ years of systems engineering, software engineering, or architecture experience.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance

• Experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering principles on complex defense, aerospace, government, or large-scale commercial systems.

• Experience using Cameo Systems Modeler (or MagicDraw) and SysML.

What preferred skills and experience you bring:

• Experience modeling software architectures and software-intensive systems using SysML.

• Experience supporting migration from monolithic architectures toward modular or service-based architectures.

• Familiarity with architecture frameworks such as:

  • DoDAF
  • UAF
  • MODAF

• Experience integrating MBSE artifacts with requirements management tools and software development environments.

• Familiarity with Agile, DevSecOps, and iterative software development methodologies.

• Experience supporting defense acquisition programs or fielded operational systems.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Cameo Systems Modeler

• SysML

• UML

• Requirements management tools (e.g., IBM DOORS or equivalent)

• Software architecture modeling

• Interface Control Documentation (ICD) development

• Digital Engineering methodologies

• Configuration management tools

• Java software development lifecycle familiarity

• Legacy software analysis and modernization

Security Clearance Requirement: A security clearance is not required to apply; however, the selected candidate must be able to obtain a Secret clearance which requires U.S. citizenship, prior to the start date.

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range: $49.76 - $87.07

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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