Software Engineer III - SMPES SME

Overview:

Apogee has an exciting new opportunity for a **Senior Principal Systems Engineer\-Strategic Mission Planning \& Execution System SME** to support mission\-critical software modernization, development, and deployment efforts for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)/J56

As a Senior Principal Systems Engineer and Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will serve as the chief technical advisor and architect for the Strategic Mission Planning \& Execution System (SMPES) portfolio. In this highly critical role, you will lead the technical coordination, design, integration, and implementation of multi\-domain command and control (C2\) capabilities.

You will operate at the intersection of strategic intent and technical execution, serving as a vital liaison to USSTRATCOM and J5 Plans and Policy to ensure nuclear and conventional integration planning systems.

This is a full\-time position located on\-site at Offutt, Nebraska.

Responsibilities:

• **Technical Coordination \& Design Implementation**: Manage the end\-to\-end technical coordination, architectural design, interface integration, and deployment implementation of complex enterprise software and hardware nodes across the SMPES network.
• **Operational Technology (OT) Integration:** Lead the secure integration and convergence of Operational Technology (OT), tactical communications networks, and mission\-critical hardware with next\-generation cloud and application layers.
• **Technology Assessment \& Modernization:** Continuously review, evaluate, and assess emerging technologies (such as containerized microservices, AI/ML analytics, and DevSecOps pipelines) to determine their applicability, scaling capacity, and security readiness for the SMPES ecosystem.
• **Digital Engineering Integration:** Drive the adoption and execution of advanced Digital Engineering practices, leveraging interconnected data models, automated workflows, and robust Model\-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to replace legacy documentation frameworks.
• **Strategic Command \& J5 Operational Liaison:** Serve as the definitive USSTRATCOM and J5 Operations SME. Translate Joint Staff Level I–IV planning requirements, deliberate/adaptive target planning needs, and crisis action response paths into actionable engineering tasks.
• **Milestone Review Leadership:** Author definitive technical baselines and critical government program milestones with Department of War officials.

Qualifications:

**Minimum** **Experience:****Citizenship:** Must be a US citizen

**Clearance:** Must possess an active U. S. Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with explicit eligibility for Special Access Programs (SAP) and Nuclear Command and Control (NC2\)

**Certifications:**

**Education:** Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace/Electrical Engineering)

**Years of Experience:** 8\+ years of advanced systems engineering experience to include:* Experience as an SMPES SME with deep, hands\-on knowledge of its core integrated components, such as the Integrated Strategic Planning \& Analysis Network (ISPAN), Nuclear Planning \& Execution System (NPES), and Global Adaptive Planning Collaborative Information Environment (GAP CIE).

• Extensive background supporting USSTRATCOM mission sets, including strategic deterrence operations, conventional integration, and working alongside J5 operational planners to implement national defense strategies.
• Demonstrated proficiency utilizing modern digital engineering architectures, configuration\-as\-code principles, and requirements tracking platforms (e.g., DOORS, Cameo Systems Modeler, or Confluence).

**Additional Information**

**Location:** Offutt AFB, NE

**On\-site/Hybrid/Remote:** On\-Site

**Travel:** 10%