Senior Mission Planning Engineer

Saalex Corporation

Senior Mission Planning Engineer leading integration and operational support for Naval Aviation mission planning systems. Serving as technical authority with focus on system integration and certification efforts.

Posted 6/26/2026full-timeLexington Park • Maryland • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $150,000 - $175,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Senior Mission Planning Engineer leads the integration, certification, sustainment, and operational support of mission planning systems across Naval Aviation platforms.
The incumbent serves as a technical authority, providing guidance on system integration, software evaluation, certification efforts, and mission planning operations to ensure safe and effective mission execution.
Lead integration, sustainment, and evaluation of mission planning systems across multiple platforms.
Oversee lifecycle support from development through operational deployment and sustainment.
Lead evaluation of mission planning software functionality, interfaces, and system integration.
Assess system performance, compatibility, and operational suitability.
Identify and resolve complex integration and system-level issues.
Lead certification and compliance efforts for mission planning systems and mission data loading capabilities.
Oversee verification and validation (V&V) activities and certification documentation.
Ensure compliance with program and airworthiness requirements.
Interface directly with fleet users, program offices, and stakeholders to resolve mission planning issues.
Provide operational expertise to improve mission planning workflows and system usability.
Oversee mission data loading processes, configuration management, and system integrity.
Ensure proper data distribution and configuration control across platforms.
Lead coordination across engineering disciplines including data integrity, navigation, communications, and surveillance.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across IPTs.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Extensive experience with mission planning systems (e.g., JMPS, VMPS, NOMS)
Strong knowledge of:
Systems engineering principles and lifecycle processes
Software integration, test and evaluation, and configuration management
Requirements development and traceability
Understanding of:
Aviation mission planning processes and flight planning concepts
Airspace operations and military aviation mission execution
Proven ability to lead technical efforts and work across cross-functional teams
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills
Experience supporting Naval Aviation or DoD aviation programs (desired)
Experience with mission planning system certification processes (desired)
Direct experience supporting fleet users or operational aviation teams (desired)
Knowledge of data integrity, PNT, navigation, or communications systems integration (desired)
Experience with system modernization, upgrades, or software development environments (desired)
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering required and 8+ years of related experience.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
Wellness Resources
Stock Option Benefit

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

mission planning systemssoftware integrationtest and evaluationconfiguration managementrequirements developmentsystem performance assessmentverification and validationdata loading processessystem modernizationsoftware development environments

Soft Skills

leadershipanalytical skillstroubleshootingtechnical communicationmentoringcross-functional collaborationoperational expertiseproblem-solvingguidancestakeholder engagement