Systems Engineer

ARS is seeking Systems Engineers to support a newly awarded 7-year effort that delivers cutting-edge intelligence and geospatial data management applications and services to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in the Littleton, Colorado area.    The Systems Engineers will be part of a software development Scrum team assisting with user interface design, development of training materials, system modeling, requirements definition and user outreach to ensure proper design of the software architecture.

Why Work with us? 

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.  

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate closely with product owners, stakeholders to UX designers, developers, testers and end users to translate user needs into detailed system and interface requirements.
• Assist the Scrum team in designing intuitive, effective user interfaces by contributing wireframes, interaction flows, usability feedback, interface specifications workflow diagrams, and interaction logic to ensure intuitive and accessible user experiences.
• Develop system models (such as data flow diagrams, sequence diagrams, interface control models, or architecture representations) to support design, analysis, and communication across the team.
• Perform system analysis to identify constraints, dependencies, and integration requirements across software components and external systems.
• Support architectural decision-making by evaluating requirements, constraints, system behavior, and integration needs across components and platforms.
• Define and maintain system-level documentation, including interface specifications, requirements traceability, data flow diagrams, and configuration artifacts.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying usability issues, system risks, and opportunities for enhanced automation, optimization or workflow streamlining.
• Conduct continuous user outreach, including interviews, feedback sessions, usability evaluations, and demonstrations, ensuring the evolving system aligns with real-world workflows and mission objectives.
• Participate fully in Scrum ceremonies including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, backlog refinement, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
• Collaborate with developers, testers, and UX specialists to ensure system functionality aligns with documented requirements and user expectations.
• Maintain system documentation, requirements traceability, interface definitions, and configuration artifacts throughout the product lifecycle.
• Produce clear and comprehensive, user‑friendly training materials such as guides, reference sheets, process documentation, and instructional videos to support onboarding and operational use of the software.
  • Assist in preparing and delivering training sessions or demonstrations for end users, stakeholders, and program leadership.
• Ensure compliance with organizational, security, and regulatory requirements throughout the development process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/ Technical Experience Requirements:

• Must be a US citizen
• Active Top Secret clearance is required to start with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI with Poly.
• BS in systems engineering, computer engineering, software engineering or closely related field.
• Strong foundational knowledge of engineering principles, system architecture, and design with 5 – 7 years direct experience.
• Experience creating artifacts using Jira and Confluence.
• Knowledge of DevOps pipelines, software lifecycle processes, and model-based systems engineering approaches.
• Familiarity with cloud-based architectures and modern web application frameworks.
• Knowledge of GEOINT analytic workflows.
• Demonstrated previous experience working on a Software Program.
• Experience working on AGILE software scrum teams.
• Experience with development of user training materials and completing user outreach training.
• Familiarity with UI/UX concepts and design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), or ability to work closely with UX professionals a plus.
• Understanding of Cameo modeling tool preferred.
• Understanding of Cedalion or Orchestration Services applications a plus.
• Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment.

The expected annual salary range: $140k - $180k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.