Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.
 
 All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
 

Riverside Research is seeking a highly qualified Chief Systems Engineer to join our team in support of the Boulder Ground Innovation Facility (BGIF) (Boulder, CO). The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in systems engineering, proven leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex projects. This position will lead definition and prioritization of technical requirements, trade studies, and engineering planning.  Candidate will inform budgetary and investment decision-making, and guide stakeholder engagement across multiple product portfolios to maintain technical alignment with strategic roadmaps and mission needs.

• Lead the development and integration of complex systems across multiple projects

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system reliability, efficiency, and performance 

• Develop, maintain, and control system architecture, interface specifications, and technical baselines 

• Facilitate Engineering Review Boards and Configuration Control Boards 

• Promote Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering practices 

• Coordinate with Product Owners, facility teams, and stakeholders to ensure technical cohesion 

• Oversee system design, analysis, and validation processes 

• Develop and manage system architecture, requirements, and specifications

• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and organizational standards 

Required Qualifications: 

• U.S. Citizenship 

• Active TS/SCI clearance 

• Master’s degree in systems engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field 

• At least 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in software development, test, and/or integration of capabilities into operational DoD / national security facilities (industry or government roles) 

• Understanding of DoD / United States Space Force systems engineering frameworks 

• Experience with MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo, MagicDraw) and DoDAF/SysML modeling 

• Familiarity with Agile, DevSecOps and digital engineering lifecycle practices 

• Proven experience in leading teams and managing large-scale projects 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Systems engineering professional certification (e.g., INCOSE CSEP) 

• Experience supporting / extensive knowledge of Space Systems Command (SSC)
• Experience supporting / extensive knowledge of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) 
• Experience with risk management and systems integration 

 

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$180,000- $220,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

 
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.