Senior/Lead Systems Engineer

Senior/Lead Systems Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) KC-46 Tanker Program is seeking a Systems Engineer to lead requirements, verification, and integration efforts for next-generation air refueling applications. This position is based in Everett, Washington, and reports to the Systems Engineering Manager of the KC-46 Systems Engineering team.

This role will be 100% onsite in Everett, WA.

The KC-46 is a high-visibility, leading-edge commercial derivative airplane program supporting the United States Air Force and international customers. As a Systems Engineer, you will play a critical role in the integration, test, and operation of the KC-46A Pegasus, the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation aerial refueling and mobility aircraft. You will work across multi-disciplinary teams to ensure that the aircraft’s complex systems—including aerial refueling, avionics, flight controls, communications, and mission systems—are successfully integrated, tested, and delivered to the warfighter.

This position provides a unique opportunity to combine systems engineering discipline, airplane systems knowledge, and hands-on integration/test operations, directly supporting Boeing’s mission to enable global reach for the U.S. and allied forces.

Position Responsibilities:

•  Lead airplane-level and system-level integration of hardware and software for KC-46 mission and refueling systems.
• Lead requirements development, management, validation, and verification efforts across the program.
• Coordinate requirements definition, traceability, validation, and verification for the KC-46 Program across systems engineering, IPTs, design, test, and customer teams to ensure first-time quality.
• Mentor and coach others on systems engineering best practices and engineering knowledge.
• Partner with SEIT leadership team as a systems engineering technical leader to grow SEIT's capability, authority, and quality across the KC-46 Program.
• Apply knowledge of airplane systems (avionics, refueling systems, electrical power, hydraulics, environmental controls, and flight controls) to support design, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS), operational documentation, and system use cases.
• Plan and execute ground and flight test campaigns, including creation of test procedures, readiness reviews, and post-test analysis.
• Utilize model-based systems engineering concepts and practices (e.g., SysML, Cameo) to document engineering outcomes.
• Serve on test and operations consoles during lab, ground, and flight test events.
• Support troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action for system integration issues.
• Collaborate with avionics, communications, refueling systems, flight controls, and mission systems engineering teams to ensure seamless cross-system integration.
• Provide input to design reviews, safety reviews, and certification activities.
• Drive continuous improvement in integration processes, maintainability, and operability of KC-46 systems.
• Demonstrate leadership in cross-functional teams, guiding technical discussions, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring accountability across disciplines.
• Communicate effectively with engineering teams, program management, customers, and leadership through clear technical writing, presentations, and real-time decision-making.

This position will be 100% onsite in Everett, WA

This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship.  An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
• Level 4: 9+ years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Level 5: 14+ years of related experience.
• Master’s in systems engineering 
• Experience with military aircraft development, integration, or sustainment.
• Knowledge of air-to-air refueling systems.
• Understanding of systems safety, reliability, and airworthiness certification processes.
• Familiarity with lab integration environments (HIL/SIL) and simulation-based test.
• Current or previous DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain.
• Familiarity with requirements management tools (DOORS or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of model-based systems engineering concepts and practices (e.g., SysML, Cameo).
• USAF Tankers programmatic or operational experience.
• Experience with aircraft systems, avionics, or mission systems integration.
• Experience leading systems engineering efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate risks from Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) across product lifecycles.
• Experience integrating DMSMS monitoring tools and obsolescence databases into product data management systems and engineering workflows; automate alerts and reporting where possible.
• Experience with establishing metrics and dashboards for obsolescence exposure, mitigation status, and program health to inform stakeholders and support executive decision-making.

Relocation: 

This position offers relocation.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

This position is for 1st shift.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

Summary Pay Range:

Level 4: $146,200-$197,800

Level 5: $176,800-$239,200

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim U.S. Secret Clearance Pre-Start and final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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