Systems Engineer - Chantilly, Virginia, , United States

ARKA Group L.P. ("ARKA") is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA ...

Job description

ARKA Group L.P. ("ARKA") is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today.

We are seeking a system engineer excited to join our team that supports U.S. defense and intelligence community partners. We are developing the next generation of signal and image processing software, building on our 80-year history on the cutting edge of the radar and electro-optical fields. Our team has received numerous patents and developed revolutionary and exquisite technologies and continues that tradition with our current work.  

By joining our team, you will build innovative software solutions to support users in the defense and intelligence communities. Your strong technical skills and passion for innovation will be instrumental in supporting our customers and their missions to keep us safe.

Position Overview:

ARKA's RST business unit is seeking a systems engineer to support one of our primary programs working with the US Government. In this position, you will be required to understand and define requirements for our software staff and support a program at the forefront of developing the systems that keep our nation safe. This position will work with our team on adapting our architecture to the program requirements, creating a testing approach, and interacting across our program teams to ensure clear understanding during the software development cycle.

The position is based in Ypsilanti, Michigan or Chantilly, VA and requires a candidate to be a U.S. citizen holding a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

We welcome applicants at varying experience levels.

In support of work/life balance, many positions are available for a flexible schedule within the pay period.  Ask us about the opportunity for flex scheduling if that's of interest to you. 

Responsibilities:

• Take algorithm definitions and prototypes and convert them into robust software applications
• Collaborate with radar/electro-optical and research scientist experts to solve issues and iterate to improve image product quality
• Provide systems engineering and enterprise architecture support to USG customers
• Work with software engineers to translate signals and architecture into working code 
• Develop standard and repeatable processes, as appropriate, to support development and integration of new and emerging capabilities
• Support engineering review boards
• Interface with the customer through detailed products and presentations and during meetings where you clearly articulate research at the appropriate technical level
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in a timely and effective manner

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship with an active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance
• Work full-time on-site
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline. In lieu of a degree, four years of professional and/or military experience
• Experience performing system engineering tasks for software programs
• Scrum/Agile Development knowledge and experience with Jira

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with software and system development projects using model bases system engineering
• MBSE certification
• Knowledge of signal processing
• Experience working with AWS and Microsoft Office
• Programming experience
• Experience writing software implementing algorithms
• Desire to learn new technologies

Location: Chantilly, VA

Chantilly is a picturesque town located in Fairfax County. It has a wonderful historic history, welcoming charm, and many interesting attractions. The attractions found in Chantilly range from the 18th Century to outer space. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, a foodie, or just someone looking to soak in the charm, Chantilly promises an unforgettable experience. Overall, its historic sites, museums, breweries, restaurants, music and many family fun activities make Chantilly a great place to call home

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Upfront tuition assistance for approved degree programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

EHS/Environmental Requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to or contact and press 2 for Human Resources.

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires U.S. citizenship in support of contract requirements.  This position also requires active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Visa Restrictions:

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Pre-employment Screenings:

Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.