Systems Engineer - Technical Lead (4228) (Boulder, CO)

As a Systems Engineer - Technical Lead at SMX, you will be responsible for providing engineering leadership and defining the engineering baseline for development teams. This includes developing and implementing systems engineering processes, designing architectures for remote sensor data processing systems, and ensuring all products meet program requirements.

To qualify for the Systems Engineer - Technical Lead position at SMX, candidates should possess a BS or advanced degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field. Additionally, 10+ years of experience in systems or software engineering and 3+ years in a technical lead role are essential, along with a Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Success as a Systems Engineer - Technical Lead at SMX requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong verbal and written communication abilities. Familiarity with remote sensor systems, as well as experience leading engineering teams, is also crucial for delivering on our national security contracts.

A typical workday for a Systems Engineer - Technical Lead at SMX involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, overseeing the development of engineering deliverables, and participating in meetings with customer representatives and engineering leaders. You'll also engage in troubleshooting and strategic planning to ensure project alignment with client needs.

The work environment for Systems Engineers at SMX is collaborative and dynamic, focusing on innovation and teamwork. You will work onsite five days a week in Boulder, CO, alongside colleagues who share your passion for making an impact in national defense and cutting-edge technology.

When answering this question, focus on specific Agile methodologies you've implemented, such as Scrum or Kanban. Discuss how you've led teams through Agile processes, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives, highlighting any successful projects you've overseen.

Effective communication can be achieved through regular team meetings, open-door policies, and collaboration tools. Emphasize your experience fostering an inclusive environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, and how you ensure that everyone is aligned with project goals.

To define the engineering baseline, you should outline the project's requirements, key milestones, and compliance metrics. Mention techniques you've used to gather requirements from stakeholders and how you've documented this baseline to guide development teams.

In your response, share specific projects you've worked on involving remote sensors, especially OPIR sensor processing. Discuss any hands-on experience you've gained, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them to deliver high-quality outputs.

Discuss the importance of continuous learning through attending workshops, participating in industry conferences, and engaging with professional organizations. Mention any recent advancements you've incorporated into your work and how they’ve improved your project outcomes.

When addressing conflicts, emphasize the importance of open communication. Outline your approach to mediating discussions, listening to different viewpoints, and finding common ground to resolve issues amicably while fostering a positive team environment.

Describe your method for identifying gaps in current processes, engaging stakeholders for feedback, and iteratively adjusting processes to meet project needs. Highlight your experience with process documentation and training teams on new methodologies.

To ensure compliance with program requirements, outline your approach to review deliverables against defined criteria regularly. Discuss any quality assurance processes you implement and how you work with teams to make adjustments as necessary to meet expectations.

Be prepared to discuss tools you have used, such as Excel, MS Project, and PowerPoint. Explain why you prefer these tools in terms of efficiency, ease of use, and their effectiveness in managing timelines, resources, and communication across teams.

Share your passion for contributing to national security and how your background aligns with the mission. Reflect on specific experiences that have driven your interest in this sector, emphasizing your motivation to lead projects that protect and serve the country.