Systems Engineering Manager

Who we are: Fuse builds innovative communications, networking, and computing solutions that improve the sharing of information, video, text, and voice among operators distributed throughout the airborne, maritime, and ground environments.? We are an R&D firm creating in-house software, network and hardware solutions that support our noble cause of advancing warfighter capabilities with elegant, user-focused communications, networks, and software systems. About this role: As the Systems Engineering Manager, you?ll lead Fuse?s Systems and Systems Test Engineers?driving the architecture, integration, and validation of multi-domain systems that connect the warfighter to information at the tactical edge. You?ll scale and mature the Systems Engineering discipline at Fuse, building the frameworks, models, and processes that bridge concept to capability. You?ll own the advancement of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), the development and use of Design Reference Missions (DRMs), and the execution of traditional Verification and Validation (V&V) processes to ensure system designs meet rigorous defense and mission requirements. This role is central to Fuse?s program growth and transition to Programs of Record (PORs). You?ll collaborate with Software, Network, Cyber, DevSecOps, Design, and Hardware teams to define integrated architectures, ensure system-level performance and compliance, and lead technical readiness across complex programs. You?ll also partner closely with Product Owners and Production teams to enable seamless NPI/NPD transitions for emerging capabilities. At Fuse, systems thinking is mission thinking. You?ll ensure our architectures are informed by operational reality, validated by analysis and test, and verified by mission success. Duties and Responsibilities Lead and Grow the Systems Team

• Mentor and manage Systems and Systems Test Engineers, fostering professional growth through structured development, coaching, and performance check-ins.
• Shape the future of Fuse?s systems engineering discipline by establishing technical leadership, mentoring programs, and hiring strategies that scale with company growth.

Advance MBSE and Design Reference Missions (DRMs)

• Lead Fuse?s adoption of MBSE practices and digital engineering frameworks, integrating SysML-based modeling environments (e.g., Cameo, MagicDraw) with system lifecycle management.
• Champion Design Reference Missions as the foundation for system design?connecting operational use cases, mission threads, and user context directly to architectural models and validation activities.
• Ensure DRMs inform requirements traceability, trade studies, and performance analyses.
• Promote digital continuity and the use of authoritative source-of-truth models across disciplines and lifecycle stages.

Own Systems Architecture, Integration, and V&V

• Lead the development and documentation of system architectures, interface definitions, and requirements hierarchies that drive cross-domain integration.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all Verification and Validation (V&V) activities across development phases?from component qualification to integrated system-level and operational test.
• Ensure compliance with applicable military and industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, 461, 464, 704, DO-160, and MIL-HDBK-516) as appropriate to program scope.
• Partner with Test and Evaluation teams to develop and maintain the Requirements Verification and Traceability Matrix (RVTM), ensuring clear mapping between requirements, verification methods, and test results.
• Lead system-level reviews and readiness assessments (SRR, SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR) to ensure traceability, risk management, and design maturity.

Enable Program and Product Success

• Support program growth and transition efforts by aligning engineering execution with Fuse?s expanding portfolio of Programs of Record.
• Contribute to proposals, technical volumes, and cost estimates to position Fuse for new and follow-on contract awards.
• Partner with Product Owners and Production on New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Product Development (NPD) efforts to ensure engineering completeness and readiness for transition to manufacture and sustainment.

Collaborate Across the Enterprise

• Serve as the Systems Engineering liaison between engineering, product, and program management functions.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to align architecture, schedule, and resource plans with technical baselines and program milestones.
• Represent Systems Engineering in customer and stakeholder engagements, including technical interchange meetings (TIMs), program reviews, and field integration events.

Requirements

• Bachelor?s or higher degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline
• 8+ years of experience in Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test for complex, multi-domain systems
• Proven experience leading Systems and/or Systems Test teams
• Strong expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML-based tools (Cameo, MagicDraw, or equivalent)

• Demonstrated experience developing and applying Design Reference Missions (DRMs) to guide architecture, trade studies, and validation
• Deep understanding of Verification and Validation (V&V) planning, execution, and reporting practices
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition frameworks and technical standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, 461, 464, 704, DO-160, MIL-HDBK-516)
• Experience developing and maintaining RVTMs for traceable, auditable system compliance
• Experience with requirements management and traceability tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, Polarion, or similar)
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Software, Network, Cyber, DevSecOps, Design, and Hardware disciplines
• Experience with Agile and DevSecOps-aligned development environments
• U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain Secret Clearance

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting or transitioning systems to Programs of Record (PORs)
• Familiarity with digital thread and digital twin integration
• Background in defense communications, tactical networking, or command-and-control systems
• Active Secret Clearance

Soft Skills That Matter at Fuse

• Curiosity Over Comfort ? You connect technical dots across disciplines and mission layers.
• Bias Toward Action ? You turn architecture and intent into executable, testable reality.
• Low Ego, High Impact ? You thrive on collaboration and shared success.
• Resilient in the Gray ? You navigate ambiguity with calm precision and lead others through it.

Your own unique talents!? If you meet some requirements of this position but not 100% of the qualifications outlined above, tell us why you?d be a great fit for this role based on your specific characteristics that align with our values and goals Must be a nimble self-starter who is excited about technology and has the ability to think out of the box and suggest powerful new ideas More about Fuse:? Founded in 2010, Fuse is a veteran-owned, rapidly growing small business. Our San Diego-based company has earned recognition as an emerging leader in airborne, maritime, and ground networking.? Placing the warfighter at the center of every design process, Fuse delivers intuitive, agile, and resilient products that go beyond national security requirements?providing lasting utility and game-changing results.? We take pride in our brilliant and talented team as well as our dynamic environment and collaborative, creative, environment.? We build cutting-edge hardware and software products that solve complex national security challenges for our warfighters at the tactical edge. Salary Range: $170,000 - $220,000 Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Employee coverage is fully funded; a portion of dependents' coverage is funded as well
• 11 paid Federal Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Date of hire through second year: 10 days/year (accrued)
• After two years: unlimited
• 40 hours of paid sick leave per year
• 401k with employer matching
• Annual bonuses
• Cell phone reimbursement: $100/month