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The Nuclear Weapon Systems and C2 Platforms department has an immediate need for an Associate Project Lead (APL) for the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) project; the SAOC project supports the Survivable Airborne Operations Division (WVS) as the lead acquisition agent, and the AF Global Strike Command as the Lead Command in the replacement of the aging E-4B Weapon System.
MITRE is seeking a motivated, results‑driven professional to serve as both Associate Project Leader and Technical Contributor, tasked with working with the SAOC Project Lead in shaping the work program, controlling cost, schedule and deliverables, providing technical direction, and acting as liaison to the government sponsor.
In this role, the SAOC Associate Project Lead will assist the SAOC Project Lead in managing resource allocation, enacting corrective actions for any shortfalls or overruns, and partnering with MITRE resource managers in a shared‑leadership model to align staff expertise with project needs. The APL will drive the project to meet sponsor objectives, leverage MITRE‑wide capabilities, and collaborate with MITRE and NEMD leadership to ensure alignment with the Nuclear Enterprise Strategy and NSEC outcomes for maximum impact.
This position is located at the MITRE Bedford Campus, Bedford, Massachusetts.
Key functions:
Lead, plan, execute, and deliver MITRE SAOC Project outcomes
Build and maintain a team of MITRE engineers focused on data analytics, digital engineering and modeling and simulation
Work with the SAOC Project Lead to collaborate with MITRE N130 division leadership, department leadership, and government sponsors to perform work shaping of the MITRE work program
Work with the SAOC Project Lead to develop project strategy, outcomes, deliverables; manage alignment of MIP/capstone/etc. to project efforts
Collaborate with other project leaders across MITRE's Nuclear Enterprise to ensure the delivery of integrated solutions across the MITRE work program supporting LRSO and adjacent sponsors
Identify operational or technical gaps in current (and future) systems and recommend mitigations for fielded or new systems in development
Develop technical reports and presentations on analysis results, options, and recommendations
Provide strategic and technical leadership as a trusted advisor to SAOC leadership
Develop a project work program with measurable tasks and outcomes aligned to MITRE and Nuclear Enterprise Mission Division (NEMD) objectives
Identify emerging‑technology opportunities within SAOC technical domains and, through cross‑MITRE collaboration and the utilization of internal R&D capabilities, deliver innovative solutions that satisfy the sponsor's requirements
Maintain a high level of technical quality and rigor on the project by leveraging MITRE' technical quality guidance and conducting in-progress task/analysis reviews, peer reviews, etc.
Cultivate and sustain sponsor relationships with senior government officials in the LRSO program office by engaging with LRSO leadership on a regular basis
Manage all levels of project administration including resource management, financial management, project resourcing, meeting coordination, status reports, and facility management
Manage staff supporting the SAOC project to include on-boarding, handling and processing of requests for access to Sponsor space and systems as well as clearances and continual feedback to staff's leadership.
Drive the growth of the necessary technical disciplines across MITRE and the NEMD, whether through networking with other MITRE subject matter experts (SMEs), hiring or staff development, that are necessary to successfully execute the work program
Required Qualifications:
Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related technical field; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
Experience in systems engineering of complex defense systems, with a strong understanding of digital engineering practices (model-based engineering, systems engineering, configuration management).
Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary proof-of-concept projects from concept to delivery, including management of technical tasks and geographically dispersed teams, and working across organizational boundaries.
Hands-on experience with modern infrastructure designs and concepts, software development techniques, and network infrastructure.
Demonstrated ability to independently deliver innovative solutions to sponsor challenges, including concept development, strategic planning, market research, and technology feasibility/evolution studies.
Ability to bridge business and technology by translating strategic goals into actionable workplans, and developing trusted advisor relationships with government sponsors.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, collaboration, leadership, analytical, and organizational skills to keep projects well-scoped and teams aligned to objectives.
Must have an active Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site.
Preferred qualifications:
Active TS/SCI
Experience in Nuclear systems and programs
MS or higher degree in Engineering, Computer science, Data science, or related technical field.
Familiarity with relevant standards and frameworks (e.g., systems engineering standards, data governance frameworks, or AI ethics guidelines).
Experience with all aspects of project management, such as work shaping, staff planning and selection, recruiting, budgeting, and reporting, managing geographically distributed groups
Experience with capabilities trade analysis, risk-based analysis, mission analysis, systems integration, and understanding of the relationships between operational, technical, and system architectures.
Experience as a technical or program manager.
Ability to quickly respond to changing program and political environments while maintaining strategic focus.
MS in Physics, System Engineering, ME, EE, Communications Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field and 10 years of related experience including 2 years of leadership experience.
This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Top Secret
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI
Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$172,800 - $216,000 - $259,200 Annual
Work Location Type:
Onsite
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.
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