Principal System Architect Jobs in Washington, DC

Position Description & Qualifications

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced Combat System Test and Evaluation (T&E) Support Analyst to join Serco’s Amphibious Ship Section. The successful candidate will assume a critical role in overseeing and managing amphibious ships T&E program. This is a great opportunity to be part of a team evaluating and managing the contracts to design, construct, test, and deliver new amphibious ships. Our government support team for this specific opportunity is led by a Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager having decades of experience working within the Department of Defense and the Shipbuilding and Repair Industry. This government support team falls within our high-performing Naval Acquisition and Sustainment Operation (NASO) which provides critical services to nearly all U.S. Navy surface ships and craft and is achieving truly impactful outcomes. NASO is part of Serco's Maritime Engineering, Technology and Sustainment (METS) business unit. Serco has over 10,000 people in North America, with operations across the U.S. and Canada. We are committed to forming long-term partnerships and supporting Federal, Provincial, and State government customers to achieve their mission.

Serco supports the U.S. Navy as a prime contractor providing amphibious warfare and expeditionary professional support services. We are committed to providing the U.S. Navy with the management, engineering and subject matter expertise to face all challenges, and welcome those with dedication, talent, and skill sets to join the Naval Acquisition and Sustainment Operation Team.

The successful candidate in this position ideally brings unique combination of extensive program management and subject matter expertise in Test and Evaluation processes, as well as technical understanding of amphibious ships (LHA/LPD) Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR).

In this role, you will:

• Oversee programmatic tasks, ensuring compliance with contractual controls and processes.
• Collaborate closely with the Government Test Principal Assistant Program Manager (PAPM) and their team members to provide support integral to T&E programs in Developmental Testing (DT), Post-Delivery Testing and Trials (PDT&T), Operational Testing (OT) and Integrated Testing (IT).
  • These responsibilities include:
    • Developing and managing test plans and resources
    • Resolving technical issues
    • Researching, designing, developing, testing, or supervising the testing of shipboard systems
    • Working with Naval Warfare Centers and Operational Testing authorities to develop/ conduct tests to verify platform’s requirements
    • Overseeing, evaluating, and reporting on PDT&T, DT, OT, and IT tests
    • Creating executive level briefs, Congressional inquiry reports, and answer Department of the Navy Data calls
    • Identifying risks and proposing solutions
• Cultivate positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) Gulf Coast, and other stakeholders by offering support and contributing to satisfying current and future Navy and Marine Corps needs for all current and any future Programs/Platforms under the cognizance of the supported Navy Amphibious Warfare Program Office (PMS 377)
• Drive impactful changes and achieve our clients’ mission objectives with the highest level of capability and assurance, and at the lowest possible cost.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Successfully completed a Bachelor’s professional engineering degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited college or university. Military or DoD experience can be substituted for a degree if five (5) or more years of specific work experience can be demonstrated in an analogous or higher-level position.
• A current DoD security clearance or be able to obtain an interim clearance after hire. (Will consider individuals administratively downgraded from a previously held clearance.) A condition of employment is based on your ability to obtain and maintain your clearance.
• A minimum of 6 of relevant experience with U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard ship construction, ship repair, or ship maintenance is required. Relevant experience is professional experience of essentially the same scope and complexity as that described in the “Position Description”, above, to include research, design, develop, and test shipboard systems.
• The ability to provide technical analyses and services for Combat/C4I /Aviation Systems integration including evaluating and advising the Government of risk areas, risk mitigation opportunities, and opportunities for commonality. Provide assistance for the risk reduction of network and software integration.
• An understanding of shipbuilding processes (design, production, test, and trials) is required.
• The ability to use independent judgement or discretion in task accomplishment without crossing over to performance of inherently governmental functions (see FAR 7.503).
• Deep understanding of Navy C5ISR systems.
• The ability to operate personal computers and have good knowledge and operational abilities with Microsoft Office tools.
• The ability to support activities in a shipyard or naval facility. Some work will occur within an industrial field office, outdoors and/or aboard ship while the ship is undergoing construction, alteration, activation, overhaul, repair, and/or underway trials. Walking and climbing throughout the ship, to accomplish ship checks, validations, or loadouts, will be required. Exposure to high noise levels, uncomfortable temperatures, heights, or other industrial safety conditions will require use of personal protective clothing and equipment.
• The ability to travel (up to 10%) to support activities in a shipyard or naval facility or onboard ship while underway.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to build strong partnerships with business leaders, functional leaders, and shipbuilding professionals.

Additional desired experience and skills:

• Relevant U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard experience in ship and/or landing craft acquisition experience is desired. Relevant amphibious warship ship and/or landing craft acquisition experience will be given preference over others.
• Familiarity with Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair, USN, Gulf Coast (SSGC) operations and staff is highly desirable.
• Experience working within DoD/Navy ACAT I Programs is desired.

Company Overview

Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco’s 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.

To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.

Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.

Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.

Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency

Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits – Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
• 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.

Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.