Systems Engineer

BAI, a defense contractor, seeks a senior Operations Manager with 10+ years' experience to oversee technical and operational support for defense-related engineering, architecture, and interoperability within a NAWCWD research and development (R&D) project at Point Mugu Naval Base in Camarillo, CA. The selected candidate will act as the bridge between research and development efforts, oversee engineering implementation, and ensure alignment with government regulations while utilizing government-defined engineering processes. This position offers opportunities for career progression, excellent benefits, and stability in a well-established, employee-focused company.

Salary
The typical annual salary range for this position is $130,000.00 USD to $160,000.00 USD. Salary will be based on current qualifications, directly related experience, geographic location, and possible contractual requirements which could fall outside of this range.

10 years' experience in operations management and technical systems engineering for defense programs. This role requires active involvement in cross-functional collaboration and adherence to rigorous technical and security standards to support Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and Full Operational Capability (FOC) milestones.

Process & System Optimization

• Provide a bridge between research, development, and test to optimize innovative rapid prototyping of required capabilities
• Analyzing current workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing technologies or methodologies for better performance
• Guide technical teams to fully understand the sweet music of telemetry

Technical Understanding and Safety

• Coordinate the application of range infrastructure and communication systems to support collection of required data points from maritime autonomous system sensors that validate capabilities; or assist in aligning follow-on sensor and system engineering and test efforts
• Integrate safety considerations into the preparation, deployment, and use of maritime autonomous systems during System Under Test (SUT) and/or Live Fire range operations of sensor prototypes and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products

Team Resource Management

• Lead, mentor, and coordinate across teams (e.g., systems engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts) to ensure the successful delivery of development objectives
• Aligning technical R&D operations with business goals, driving efficiency, and making data-driven decisions

Quality & Risk Management

• Track technical progress, quality standards, uptime, security, and compliance
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Serve as the primary liaison between government stakeholders, technical leads, and contractor resources during R&D efforts.
• Ensure technical documentation, resource allocation, and risk management are aligned with project objectives

Testing & Quality Controll

• Review test readiness plans, milestone review packages (SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR), and performance evaluation metrics for critical systems
• Assist in validating interoperability and compliance through verification cross-reference matrices (VCRMs) and audit trails

This individual will play a critical role in all engineering disciplines, and interoperability between project and range infrastructure, testing, and stakeholder coordination.

• 10+ years of relevant experience in operations management and systems engineering with a focus on defense projects
• Demonstrated capability in overseeing large-scale, highly technical Range use for qualifying defense projects
• Expertise in process optimization through innovative engineering methods, tools, and techniques
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in regulated tabletop exercises, lab demonstrations, and at sea testing of sensors or systems
• Deep understanding of government-regulated engineering processes
• Expertise in identifying bottlenecks and implementing innovative tools, methodologies, or technologies to optimize processes
• Familiarity with maritime systems, including the deployment, safety considerations (e.g., Range Safety & Coast Guard regulations) for at sea SUT and sensor testing
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to ensure technical compliance with configuration control, risk management, and quality assurance frameworks
• Effective verbal and written communication, with the capability to convey technical and operational concepts to diverse audiences

Work Conditions & Requirements

• Work location Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Naval Air Station (NAS) Point Mugu. Candidates must be able to work onsite
• Work schedule Adaptable to NBVC's 4/5/9 compressed work schedule policy
• Remote Work Permissible only with COR notification and approval per company policy
• Travel May involve CONUS or ship based travel to support testing or design reviews

EDUCATION
Degree
BS or BA degree in Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline

Allowable Substitution
6 years of additional relevant experience

CLEARANCE
Condition of Employment
Applicant must have an active DoD Secret Clearance. The applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

CITIZENSHIP
The applicant must have US citizenship at the time of application.

BAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other non-merit based factors made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.