Payload Engineer

Overview:

i3 is seeking a Payload Engineer to support the Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (TUAS) Product Office. The Payload Engineer is responsible for providing technical expertise in the evaluation and integration of a variety of payload subsystems (EO/IR, Radar, Electronic Warfare, LiDAR, weapons, etc.)  into uncrewed aircraft systems.  Provides Subject Matter Expertise on the performance and capabilities of payload systems.  Responsible for technical and programmatic coordination with external offices that execute Payload Programs of Record and applicable Science and Technology Efforts.  Able to evaluate and resolve payload issues with fielded systems.  Supports the specification, qualification, and airworthiness determination of integrated payload subsystems.  Effectively communicates with UAS personnel, PM UAS and PEO functionals and staff, prime contractors and suppliers, user representatives, and Army airworthiness personnel. Supports the evaluation of cost, schedule, and performance of non-recurring engineering projects. Prepares and delivers reports and briefings to senior management describing program status, issues, analyses, findings, results, recommendations, and conclusions as appropriate. This position is located in Huntsville, AL. 

• Perform System Test & Qualification Engineering activities on UAS programs with an emphasis on testing and integrating new payloads and weapons systems. Under minimal supervision, will guide the completion of test and evaluation of both small and large-scale programs and determine and develop approaches to test new capabilities and functionality.
• Assist in preparing contract requirement packages, statements of work, acquisition strategies, acquisition plans, and other required programmatic documentation.
• Prepare consolidate inputs and prepare product office briefings for senior leadership.
• Develop, refine, and implement pioneering solutions and methodologies, leveraging expertise and creativity to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and advance best practices across the organization.
• Contribute to the creation of integrated master schedules, strategic roadmaps, white papers, and milestone and technical documentation for contract requirements packages and various contracting and acquisition strategies.
• Interface with internal and external personnel regarding UAS products.
• Assist in coordinating the stakeholders’ working groups for emerging UAS requirements.
• Provide assistance in the preparation of Unfunded Requirements and their prioritization.
• Assist the customer with requirements analysis, implementation, and compliance with engineering directives and procedures.
• Coordinate inputs for the development of implementation schedules.
• Perform critical path and risk analyses on the integrated master schedule to determine schedule realism and schedule drivers.
• Analyze and/or develop programmatic and technical documentation.
• Provide aviation, operational, and technical expertise to conferences, briefings, meetings, and working groups.
• Coordinate and ensure management officials and team members are aware of all product activities.
• With proper Army protocol, the candidate will screen all calls, requests for information, meetings and visitors for the Product Manager and Deputy. 
• Manage dynamic calendars to include numerous calendar events, unclassified and classified meetings, teleconferences, and video teleconferences (VTCs).
• Interface with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders at all levels within the Army.
• Apply their extensive knowledge of the Microsoft (MS) Office Suite of products to develop PowerPoint briefings, Excel spreadsheets, and documentation developed utilizing Word and Adobe Acrobat.
• Independently review incoming/outgoing documentation/briefings for clarity, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format.
• Use independent judgment to plan, prioritize, and organize a diversified workload in a high-pace and detail-oriented environment.
• Provide recommendations for test requirements, acceptance criteria, and measuring programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• BS/BA from accredited college or university with field of study appropriate to the field of expertise, acquisition, logistics, business, or management. MBA or graduate level equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience concentrated in functional responsibility area of the position to be filled.
• Ability to provide technical and programmatic support across multiple teams within UAS.
• Experience previously supporting a major defense acquisition weapon system platform program is preferred.
• Product Level Management Experience under an ACAT I or II program preferred. 
• Experience in related field of expertise at the program level, ideally in providing programmatic and/or systems engineering/integration support to major DoD acquisition activities.
• Experience in the development, testing, fielding/training, and sustainment phases of system’s life cycle.
• Thorough knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations, Contracts/Subcontracts terminology and business practices.
• Experience administering various contract types (Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Cost Plus Incentive Fee, Firm Fixed Price).
• Demonstrated experience working individually as well as organizing and facilitating working groups.
• Must be able to prepare detailed written reports and briefings (using Microsoft PowerPoint) suitable for presentation to senior level military and corporate leadership, as well as present material orally.
• Must have a strong understanding of Army Acquisition processes, Milestone Documentation, and program decision process.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to use Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Must have the ability to work in a teaming environment and have the personality to interface with numerous Government and contractor personnel in a rapid paced environment.
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Active DoD Secret security clearance and the ability to maintain such is required

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of office administration and procedures.
• Exceptional judgment capabilities and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and client service skills; ability to clearly communicate in discussions and written documents, and to deliver feedback clearly and tactfully.
• Interact with a diverse array of customers and staff in a professional and courteous manner.
• Work independently with accountability for accurate and complete results.
• Be extremely organized and exceptionally detail oriented.
• Work well both independently and in a team environment.
• Be energized by a fast-paced work environment.
• Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Analyze information and respond appropriately.
• Manage time wisely and prioritize tasks.
• Provide superior customer service.
• Multi-task in a pleasant manner.
• Work well under pressure.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Regular i3 hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, however, additional hours may be required on occasion. Regular and punctual attendance is required.

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.  

Perks of being a team member owner include:

• Long-term financial security
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater job security
• Personal and professional growth
• Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

• Excellent insurance coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous PTO
• Health and wellness incentives
• Tuition and certification reimbursement
• Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!