Verification Systems Engineer

As a Verification Systems Engineer at BAE Systems, you will be responsible for establishing and leading the verification strategy for complex systems, particularly in the context of the US/UK TRIDENT Submarine Strategic Weapon System program. Your duties will include performing verification reviews of system requirements, maintaining a Requirements Traceability and Verification Matrix, and engaging with various project communities and technical teams. Additionally, you will support Systems Engineering technical reviews and mentor junior engineers, making a significant contribution to the overall engineering efforts.

To qualify for the Verification Systems Engineer role at BAE Systems, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a relevant field, along with a minimum of 6 years of related experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree with 4 years of relevant work experience is acceptable. Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering, particularly using tools like Cameo/SysML and IBM DOORS/DXL, is essential. Ideal candidates will also have experience across the systems engineering lifecycle, particularly focusing on integration, verification, and validation.

Key skills for a Verification Systems Engineer at BAE Systems include strong planning abilities, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and proficiency with engineering tools and languages such as No Magic Products, PTC Windchill, and MATLAB Simulink. Interpersonal skills are crucial for interacting with diverse work teams and maintaining effective relationships with customers and technical leads. A willingness to travel to the Washington D.C. area weekly is also important for this role.

As a Verification Systems Engineer at BAE Systems, you will collaborate with a variety of engineering teams that support the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs. This includes close interactions with Integrated Product Teams and project communities, as well as attendance at customer staff meetings to align on technical requirements and verification approaches. Your role will be pivotal in fostering communication and collaboration within these teams to ensure project success.

BAE Systems offers a comprehensive range of benefits for Verification Systems Engineers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as health savings accounts and a robust 401(k) savings plan. Employees can also enjoy disability coverage, life and accident insurance, and various leave options, including paid time off and parental leave. Additional perks include discounts on auto and pet insurance, a legal plan, and an employee assistance program. The company actively promotes a supportive work environment that focuses on employee well-being.

When developing verification strategies, it’s vital to start by thoroughly understanding the system requirements and the overall objectives. I use Model Based Systems Engineering tools to identify critical verification points, ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations. It's also important to communicate with multidisciplinary teams to gather input and refine the strategy based on real-world insights. This approach fosters collaboration and ensures that the verification process is comprehensive and robust.

I have extensive experience with Model Based Systems Engineering tools, including Cameo/SysML and IBM DOORS. In previous projects, I utilized these tools to create system models that accurately reflect the requirements and facilitate better verification processes. My experience includes training junior engineers to use these tools effectively, which has further enhanced our team’s efficiency in managing complex systems.

One challenging problem involved verifying a complex system where the requirements were often changing based on ongoing customer feedback. I tackled this by implementing an agile verification approach, where I continuously updated the Requirements Traceability and Verification Matrix. Collaborating closely with the development teams allowed us to iteratively verify components, ensuring we met the evolving needs without delaying the project timeline.

To ensure effective collaboration, I prioritize clear and consistent communication. I set up regular meetings to share updates and foster an open dialogue where team members feel comfortable voicing concerns or suggestions. Additionally, I facilitate workshops to collectively address any roadblocks and encourage cross-discipline engagement that promotes ownership of the project across all teams involved.

My experience with requirements traceability involves the meticulous development and maintenance of Verification Matrices that link each requirement to its verification method and status. This tool has been crucial in tracking progress and ensuring accountability among the team. I have utilized tools like IBM DOORS to automate aspects of this process, making it easier to manage changes and maintain accuracy throughout the entire project lifecycle.

I stay current by actively participating in professional organizations and attending industry conferences. Additionally, I pursue ongoing education through workshops and online courses focused on advancements in systems engineering methods and tools. I also engage in knowledge sharing with colleagues, which often leads to valuable discussions on trends and best practices in the field.

In handling conflicts, my approach is to first listen to all parties involved to understand the perspectives. I believe in addressing conflicts early to prevent escalation. By facilitating a guided discussion where team members can express their viewpoints, I encourage finding common ground and collaboratively developing a solution. If necessary, I would escalate the issue to a higher authority, focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame.

Successful technical reviews require thorough preparation and the establishment of clear objectives. I ensure that all relevant documentation is available beforehand and that all participants understand what is expected of them. During the review, I foster an environment that encourages constructive feedback, focusing on the project’s goals and ensuring that all aspects, including requirements and design, are critically evaluated.

I am excited about the opportunity to work at BAE Systems because of its commitment to national security and its reputation for innovation in defense technology. I am particularly drawn to the Collaborative and inclusive work culture that BAE promotes, which aligns with my values. I want to contribute my expertise in verification systems engineering to support projects that protect and serve our nation.

A successful Verification Systems Engineer possesses strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively across various teams. Resilience and adaptability are vital, given the dynamic nature of engineering projects, as well as the capability to mentor and lead junior engineers. Ultimately, a genuine passion for continuous learning and problem-solving drives success in this role.