Apply on Employer Site

Red 6 · 4 hours ago

Director of Systems Engineering

Denver, CO

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Red 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. The Director of Systems Engineering provides strategic and technical leadership for complex defense and aerospace technology programs, overseeing system definition, integration, verification, and validation activities to ensure technical excellence across air mission systems.

Air TransportationArtificial Intelligence (AI)Augmented RealityInformation Technology

Hiring Manager

Bailie Pagliasotti

Responsibilities

Lead Systems Engineering Execution: Direct the planning and implementation of systems engineering activities across multiple programs, ensuring alignment with INCOSE-defined processes and DoD acquisition frameworks (e.g. ISO/IEC 15288)

Architecture & Design Oversight: Define system architectures, allocate requirements, and manage interfaces for complex multi-domain systems (hardware, software, and data-driven)

Lifecycle Management: Oversee all phases of system development — from concept exploration, trade studies, and requirements management to integration, verification, validation, and operational sustainment

Process Governance: Establish and continuously improve model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, and configuration management practices to ensure repeatable, auditable, and efficient execution

Leadership & Team Development: Build, mentor, and inspire a team of systems engineers, analysts, and technical leads. Foster a culture of technical rigor, collaboration, and professional growth

Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner with program management, flight operations, software, hardware, and data analytics teams to ensure coherent system performance and successful technical delivery

Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the technical liaison for government customers, prime contractors, and industry partners, articulating design decisions, risk mitigations, and technical trade-offs

Innovation & Future Readiness: Promote AI, autonomy, and data-centric approaches to enhance decision-making and mission effectiveness in next-generation defense systems

Qualification

Systems EngineeringModel-Based Systems EngineeringINCOSE PrinciplesLifecycle ManagementAerospace EngineeringRequirements TraceabilityDoD Acquisition ProcessesLeadershipAI/ML SystemsEarned Value ManagementConfiguration ManagementFlight Test Operations

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline

10–15+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering within defense, aerospace, or dual-use technology sectors

Proven record of leading complex technology development programs through full lifecycle execution

Deep understanding of INCOSE Systems Engineering principles, model-based systems engineering, and requirements traceability tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS, JAMA)

Experience interfacing with DoD acquisition processes, airworthiness certification, and mission assurance frameworks

Strong leadership presence, with demonstrated ability to motivate multidisciplinary engineering teams and deliver under tight schedules

Preferred

INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification

Demonstrated expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), including model creation, validation, and tool integration (e.g., SysML, Cameo, Rhapsody, MagicDraw)

Familiarity with airworthiness certification processes, system reliability analysis, and configuration management practices for defense and aerospace systems

Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) for tracking cost, schedule, and performance across complex technical programs

Experience with AI/ML-enabled systems, autonomous platforms, or digital engineering ecosystems

Familiarity with flight test operations, safety-of-flight criteria, and integration of software-intensive systems