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Lead Systems Engineer - China Lake, CA

JT4
Ridgecrest, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 22 May 2026
💰 $157,418/yr($142,418/yr$157,418/yr)

About the role

JT4 China Lake is seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineer to spearhead contract research, development, integration, and sustainment projects. This will support range instrumentation with developmental/operational testing of aircraft weapon systems and avionics. This principal role will also be responsible for program management and highly technical research analysis.

 

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. JT4 develops and maintains realistic, integrated test and training environments and prepares our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.

 

Range Requirements

The individual should have at least 25 years of combined experience in range instrumentation supporting the developmental and operational testing of aircraft.  Individual should have a full understand of aircraft weapon systems, avionics and military standards (MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1773, IEEE 802.3). 

This individual shall serve as the lead engineer responsible for the development of the Department of War Open Air Battle Shaping program, which integrates USAF and USN aircraft instrumentation systems.

Individual should have hands-on implementation of Common Range Integrated Instrumentation System (CRIIS) pods, Tactical Combat Training System (TCTS) family of pods, P5 Combat Training System (CTS) pods, and P6 CTS pods.  Individual should have full understanding of tactical data links.  Individual should also have familiarity with aircraft survivability analysis to include hands-on use of live, virtual and constructive training and analyses tools.

 

Job Summary -- Essential Functions/Duties

A Lead Systems Engineer serves as a principal investigator and individual contributor to contract research, development, integration, and sustainment projects.

 

Employee will be responsible for the following functions/duties:

  • Develop and apply advanced methods, theories, and research techniques in the investigation and solution of complex and difficult system design requirements and problems
  • Conduct investigations of considerable complexity
  • Provide technical consultation to other organizations or customers
  • Direct interface with internal and external customers at all levels from quotation to final design and test activities, design reviews, and technical working group meetings to comply with requirements and specifications
  • Plan, conduct, and technically direct projects or major phases of significant projects requiring the expert application of advanced knowledge
  • Review completion and implementation of systems additions and/or enhancements and recommend corrections in technical application and analysis to management
  • Represent the company as technical advisor in high-level meetings and briefings with company and customer personnel
  • Prepare, deliver, and submit technical papers and perform engineering studies
  • Support development of technical proposals and provide comments on the technical content and level of effort of the proposed scope of work
  • Act as a company/industry expert resource on the most complex engineering problems
  • Maintain technical project responsibility for assigned tasks and advise management of progress in support of the technical and administrative direction of project operations
  • Conduct site visits and experimental investigations and analyze engineering problems, propose solutions and alternatives, and provide recommendations
  • Develop, interpret, and implement technical and administrative operating policies and procedures
  • Perform other job-related duties, as required

Requirements -- Education, Technical, and Work Experience

A Master of Science in engineering from an accredited academic institution and 16 years of related engineering experience, or an accredited doctorate degree in engineering and a minimum of 12 years of related engineering experience are required for this position.

 

In addition, a Lead Systems Engineer must possess the following qualifications:

  • A well-established, substantial, professional reputation in one or more of the principal technical disciplines o

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JT4

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