Threat Requirements Engineer (MDA)

MDR is looking for a rockstar Threat Requirements Engineer to join our team! In this role, you will support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Directorate for Test (DT) Targets Systems Engineering office and program offices. Your expertise will ensure rigor in requirements development, assessment, and compliance across multiple programs developing the next generation of reentry vehicle and hypersonic glide vehicle targets, boost vehicles, and countermeasures in support of creating realistic test environments for the U.S. missile defense systems.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Apply physics and engineering-based analysis to aerospace systems, navigation, guidance, and control, rocket propulsion, aerodynamics, and aerothermal performance to develop recommendations on target configurations and technologies needing development, to meet missile defense system flight testing requirements.
• Serve as the Contractor Requirements Lead for DT Targets, assessing, interpreting, and allocating requirements across all MDA target vehicles and countermeasure programs.
• Support the Targets Systems Engineering and Integration team in developing, refining, and maintaining system-level and mission-specific requirements, specifications, and interface control documents (ICDs).
• Lead and deliver target allocation briefings, performance specifications, mission memoranda, and deviation/waiver requests.
• Shepherd requirements development for new capabilities, coordinating feasibility studies, trade studies, and negotiation of target requirements with program offices.
• Apply current and emerging threat assessments and intelligence to influence baseline and mission performance requirements for future target acquisitions.
• Develop requirements traceability and compliance assessments to ensure programs align with MDA objectives and technical rigor.
• Provide expert technical recommendations to senior leadership and program managers supporting high-profile flight tests, including Defense of Guam, Glide Phase Interceptor, and Next Generation Interceptor.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineering, modeling and simulation, test, and safety analysis to ensure requirements are realistic, safe, and achievable.
• Contribute to technical reviews, readiness assessments, and failure review boards with a requirements-focused lens.
• Maintain close coordination with MDA stakeholders to ensure continued alignment between evolving mission needs and target system requirements.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Master's degree in a STEM field with strong preference for Aerospace or Systems Engineering or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of relevant experience supporting missile defense-related or other complex, large DoD system engineering and requirements development programs.
• Proven experience in requirements management, requirements traceability, and compliance verification.
• Active Top Secret Security clearance.
• Must be a US Citizen
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical requirements to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and requirements management tools.
• Travel 10-20%.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• Familiarity with MDA and/or DoD acquisition programs, systems engineering processes, and milestone reviews.
• Experience supporting MDA Flight Test planning, analysis, and review with an emphasis on requirements validation.
• Familiarity with technical proposal development and evaluation.
• Model Based Systems Engineering.
• Background in developing and reviewing performance specifications, ICDs, and mission-specific requirement sets for complex aerospace systems.
• Knowledge of target systems, reentry vehicles, launch vehicles, and countermeasures.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build consensus across diverse technical teams and stakeholder groups.

Position Requirements

• Clearance Required
  • Top Secret
• Position Level
  • Principal
• FT/PT
  • Full Time
• Years Related Work Experience
  • 12
• Education Level Required
  • Master's

Mission Driven Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you are interested in applying for employment with Mission Driven Research and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, please contact us by email ([email protected]) or by phone by calling (256) 299-9288. When contacting us, please provide your contact information and state the nature of your accessibility issue.