NC3 Airborne DPME

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.

 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

As the NC3 Airborne DPME on the Looking Glass Next (LGN) program, you will serve as General Dynamics Mission Systems' foremost aircraft platform expert and technical authority for all airborne platform integration activities. You will lead a cross-functional program team responsible for designing, implementing, and deploying the next generation of Strategic Weapon Systems aboard a specialized large-cabin aircraft platform.

 

This is a strategic, high-visibility position at the center of one of the most consequential NC3 modernization programs in the U.S. defense portfolio. You will own the airframe integration workstream end-to-end, lead all SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) engineering across the program, and serve as the primary technical interface between GDMS and other program subcontractors. You will also play a leadership role in guiding the program through FAA certification and airworthiness compliance processes.

 

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences: direct platform integration experience, prior collaboration with airborne mission systems, STC or FAA airworthiness certification experience, and background in NC3 or strategic communications systems programs.

 

What Sets You Apart

• Deep, hands-on experience integrating mission systems onto large-cabin business jet or military transport aircraft platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise navigating FAA certification processes applicable to mission system modifications, including Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) development and coordination, DER coordination, and airworthiness compliance for government-sponsored aircraft modifications
• Proven leadership in SWaP analysis and trade studies on complex airborne systems, encompassing power distribution architectures, thermal management, structural load and balance considerations, and EMI/EMC compliance
• Direct experience working at the integration interface between prime contractors, airframe OEMs, and mission system/avionics subcontractors, managing technical ICDs and resolving cross-organizational integration issues
• Strong knowledge of airborne communications systems, including line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) architectures, as applied to strategic or special missions aircraft
• Working knowledge of Government modular open system approach (MOSA) standards, Open Mission Systems (OMS), and Government Reference Architectures (GRA) as they apply to airborne platforms
• Clear understanding of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and direct experience with industry MBSE tools for requirements development, interface definition, and traceability
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and influence across organizational boundaries in a senior or director-level capacity, including direct engagement with government customers and program leadership
• Familiarity with NC3 mission requirements, airborne command post architectures, or other special missions aircraft programs is highly desirable
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to represent complex technical positions credibly to executive, government, and customer audiences

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as GDMS's primary technical authority and point of contact for all aircraft platform integration matters on the LGN program
• Lead and coordinate integration across airframe, avionics, and mission system subcontractors, managing technical interfaces and resolving cross-organizational integration conflicts
• Own and lead all SWaP analyses, power budgets, and trade studies for mission system payloads, driving design decisions to ensure mission system compatibility with the aircraft platform
• Provide authoritative technical guidance on FAA certification requirements for the LGN platform, including STC processes, DER coordination, and airworthiness implications of mission system installations and modifications
• Lead aircraft integration planning across the full program lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture development through installation, test, verification, and delivery
• Develop and maintain aircraft integration documentation including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), aircraft modification plans, installation drawings, and integration verification plans in coordination with airframe and avionics teams
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior aircraft and systems integration engineers on the program team
• Engage directly with government customers, the NC3 Enterprise, and GDMS program leadership to communicate integration status, risks, and technical recommendations

Workplace Options

This position is primarily hybrid with occasional work on-site at our Taunton, MA and Dedham, MA facilities.  Periodic travel to customer, government, and subcontractor Some flexibility for hybrid work may be available.

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $174,648.00 - USD $193,751.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans