Systems Engineering SME

As a Systems Engineering SME at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., you'll take on a range of responsibilities, including conducting stakeholder needs and requirements definition, performing systems analysis, and engaging in system realization and deployment tasks. You'll also handle program planning and assessments, risk management, and configuration management while ensuring adherence to quality standards in enterprise architecture deliverables. Your role will be critical in supporting complex national security projects, especially in liaising with government stakeholders.

To be considered for the Systems Engineering SME position at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., you need an active TS/SCI clearance, a BS or MS in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field, and at least 15 years of experience supporting enterprise architecture development. Preferred qualifications include certifications in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and IT Architecture, along with familiarity with intelligence community frameworks and practices.

The role of a Systems Engineering SME at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. is vital for national defense efforts, as it entails providing expert advisory services and technical support to ensure that government agencies acquire and implement advanced technologies. By conducting thorough analyses, defining requirements, and offering strategic recommendations, you help enhance the capabilities of organizations like the US Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office to meet national security challenges effectively.

Essential skills for a Systems Engineering SME at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. include robust analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to thrive in collaborative environments. You should be adept in risk and opportunity management, have strong project planning capabilities, and possess a deep understanding of enterprise architecture and systems engineering principles. Additionally, familiarity with government procedures and experience in the defense sector will enhance your effectiveness in this role.

The work environment for Systems Engineering SMEs at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. is one characterized by collaboration, innovation, and dedication to mission success. You’ll be part of a highly skilled team focused on delivering impactful solutions for national security. SPA fosters a culture of transparency and open communication, allowing you to engage with seasoned professionals and government stakeholders, ensuring that your contributions lead to meaningful outcomes.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you took the lead on defining stakeholder needs and translating them into formal requirements. Highlight your approach, any methodologies used, and the outcome. Mention how effective communication with stakeholders helped in clarifying expectations and ensuring alignment throughout the project.

For this question, discuss your strategic process for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks in system designs or implementations. Provide examples of risk management plans you've created or contributed to, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication with team members and stakeholders, as well as lessons learned from past experiences.

Here, you should recount a specific project where you executed systems engineering methodologies. Focus on your role, the challenges faced, and how your actions led to a successful outcome. Emphasize collaboration with different teams, adherence to quality standards, and effective stakeholder engagement that contributed to the project's success.

Discuss the quality assurance processes you follow, such as peer reviews, testing protocols, and tracking performance metrics. Provide examples of how these practices ensured the integrity of systems and met project requirements, as well as how addressing quality concerns early on can prevent larger issues later in the project lifecycle.

Respond by highlighting your familiarity with model-driven approaches and any tools or frameworks you have used. Describe how you applied these methodologies in your previous roles, and explain the benefits of leveraging model-driven techniques in enhancing communication among stakeholders and visualizing system architectures.

Highlight your flexibility in responding to feedback from stakeholders. Discuss your process for gathering and evaluating stakeholder input, as well as how you use analysis results to refine engineering strategies. Emphasize your commitment to iterative improvements and how they can enhance project outputs.

Share specific examples of capability assessments you've conducted in the Information Communications Technology (ICT) domain. Describe the context, your methodology, findings, and the tangible impacts your assessments had on decision-making and project directions.

For this question, detail your approach to configuration management, touching on tools and processes you employ to track changes, control versions, and ensure proper documentation. Discuss the importance of these practices in maintaining system integrity and efficiency through various project stages.

Utilize this opportunity to highlight your certifications that are pertinent to the Systems Engineering SME role, such as model-based systems engineering or ITIL. Mention how these certifications have equipped you with the latest practices in the field and how you apply the knowledge gained to improve project outcomes.

Discuss the importance of clear, ongoing communication as crucial to successful systems engineering. Provide examples of how you fostered effective dialogue between teams and stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned and informed throughout project lifecycles, contributing to successful outcomes.