Seaborne Platform Systems - Design Systems Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Seaborne Platform Systems - Design Systems Engineer

Company: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

Location: McLeansville, NC

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Systems Engineering / Defense Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-19

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the systems engineering and concept development for USN submarine mechanical systems, emphasizing new capabilities and technologies for platforms and warfighters.

• Requires a strong understanding of systems engineering principles, requirements management, and system modeling tools within the defense sector.

• Involves close collaboration within a cross-functional team environment, contributing to research-oriented work and practical defense solutions.

• Opportunities exist to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) for continuous improvement and innovation in system design and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Systems Engineer," the core responsibilities and preferred skills strongly align with a Systems Engineer role within the defense industry, specifically focused on submarine mechanical systems. The "OTHER" employment type is noted, but the context points towards a full-time engineering position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the concept development and systems engineering lifecycle for USN submarine mechanical systems.

• Manage system requirements, including definition, allocation, and validation, using industry-standard tools and methodologies.

• Design and integrate mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical interfaces within complex submarine systems.

• Develop comprehensive test plans, oversee test execution, and generate detailed performance reports for system validation.

• Collaborate with vendors and subcontractors to ensure seamless integration and timely delivery of system components.

• Apply systems engineering principles, theories, and technical standards to solve complex engineering challenges.

• Utilize system modeling tools to represent, analyze, and optimize system architecture and behavior.

• Identify and propose opportunities for applying AI and emerging technologies to enhance platform capabilities and warfighter effectiveness.

• Participate actively in a cross-functional team, fostering a collaborative environment and contributing to collective success.

• Engage in continuous professional development to stay abreast of evolving technologies and engineering best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Responsibilities for this Position" section was interpreted and expanded to detail the typical tasks of a Systems Engineer in a defense context, incorporating preferred skills and general expectations of a systems engineering role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering, or Mathematics field.

• Master's degree in a relevant field is also considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant systems engineering experience post-Bachelor's degree.

• Alternatively, a minimum of 6 months of relevant experience post-Master's degree.

• Experience with integrated mechanical systems, including requirements management, hydraulic/electrical/mechanical interfaces, test planning, and execution.

• Submarine systems experience is highly preferred.

• Experience in concept development and rapid prototyping is beneficial.

• Vendor/subcontractor coordination experience is a plus. Required Skills:

• Clear understanding of systems engineering concepts, principles, theories, and technical standards.

• Proficiency in requirements management processes and tools.

• Familiarity with system modeling tools.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to grasp and apply new information quickly and handle increasing responsibilities with growing complexity.

• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Preferred Skills:

• Systems Engineering of integrated mechanical systems.

• Hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical interface design and analysis.

• Test planning and execution for complex systems.

• Submarine systems engineering experience.

• Concept development and rapid prototyping methodologies.

• Vendor and subcontractor management.

• Understanding and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in engineering contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Basic Qualifications" and "preferred skills" from the input were structured into required and preferred categories. Specific systems engineering competencies were inferred and integrated based on the role's context within defense and submarine systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to requirements management, showcasing how requirements were captured, traced, and validated for a complex system.

• Provide examples of system architecture design, including functional and physical breakdowns, and how trade-off analyses were conducted.

• Include case studies or project examples that illustrate the integration of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical subsystems, highlighting interface management.

• Showcase experience in developing and executing test plans, and how test results informed system design decisions and led to successful validation.

• Present evidence of problem-solving capabilities, particularly in resolving complex technical issues within a project lifecycle. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate a clear understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle, from concept development through testing and integration.

• Document workflows for requirements elicitation, analysis, and management, emphasizing traceability and impact assessment.

• Showcase methodologies for system modeling, simulation, and analysis to predict performance and identify potential issues.

• Detail processes for risk identification, assessment, and mitigation throughout the system development lifecycle.

• Provide examples of documentation for system design reviews, test reports, and final system acceptance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on systems engineering and defense platforms, a strong emphasis on process and portfolio is inferred. This section is designed to guide candidates on what General Dynamics Mission Systems would likely expect to see in a systems engineering portfolio, focusing on structured approaches, documentation, and demonstrable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $100,219.00 - USD $111,180.00 /Year

Benefits:

• 401k Matching: Competitive matching contributions to support retirement savings.

• Flex Time Off: Generous paid time off policy allowing for work-life balance and personal needs.

• Paid Parental Leave: Support for new parents with paid leave to bond with their children.

• Healthcare Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Health & Wellness Programs: Initiatives and resources to support employee well-being.

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Opportunities to connect with colleagues who share common interests or backgrounds.

• Social Groups: Company-sponsored groups to foster camaraderie and networking.

• Flexible Work Schedules: Options such as a 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off) are available.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility in scheduling, including the potential for a 9/80 work schedule, is offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range and benefits were directly incorporated. The 9/80 schedule mentioned in the original description has been highlighted as a key benefit offering flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense & Aerospace, Mission Systems Technology. General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) operates at the forefront of high-technology solutions for defense and scientific applications, emphasizing innovation and reliability for critical missions.

Company Size: Over 12,000 employees globally, indicating a large, established organization with diverse capabilities and significant resources.

Founded: Information not explicitly provided in the raw data, but GDMS is a long-standing entity within General Dynamics.

Team Structure:

• Cross-functional Team: The role is part of a cross-functional team, suggesting close collaboration with engineers from various disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software, test) and potentially program management.

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports into a Systems Engineering management structure within the Seaborne Platform Systems division.

• Collaboration Focus: Emphasis on teamwork, collective success, and sharing knowledge to achieve mission objectives in a research-oriented environment.

Methodology:

• Systems Engineering Principles: Adherence to established systems engineering methodologies for concept development, requirements management, design, integration, and testing.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Implied through the need for rigorous testing, reporting, and analysis to inform design choices and validate system performance.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to identify opportunities for applying new technologies, including AI, to enhance system capabilities and efficiency.

Company Website: https://gdmissionsystems.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company size, industry, and general mission focus were drawn from the provided "Company Overview" and LinkedIn data. The team structure and methodology were inferred based on the "cross-functional team" mention and the nature of systems engineering in the defense sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is categorized as a mid-level Systems Engineer, requiring a solid foundation in engineering principles and at least 2 years of relevant experience. It offers a pathway to more senior engineering roles, specialized technical leadership, or project management within GDMS.

Reporting Structure: The role is part of a dedicated team focused on Seaborne Platform Systems, likely reporting to a Systems Engineering Manager or Lead Systems Engineer who oversees the development and execution of submarine system projects. Collaboration with program managers and other functional leads is also expected.

Operations Impact: As a Systems Engineer on Seaborne Platform Systems, the role has a direct impact on the design, functionality, and reliability of critical defense assets for the U.S. Navy. Contributions to new capabilities and technologies directly influence the effectiveness of submarines and the warfighter. The focus on AI integration suggests a forward-looking impact on future defense technologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in submarine mechanical systems, hydraulics, or advanced technologies like AI through specialized projects and training. Potential to become a subject matter expert (SME).

• Advanced Systems Engineering: Progress to senior Systems Engineer roles, leading larger project segments, or taking on architect-level responsibilities for complex systems.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead small teams, mentor junior engineers, or move into team lead or management positions within the Systems Engineering discipline.

• Continuous Learning: Access to company-sponsored training, certifications, and potentially tuition reimbursement for further education in relevant engineering fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" is inferred from the experience requirements. The "Reporting Structure" and "Operations Impact" are contextualized within the defense industry and the specific focus on submarine systems. Growth opportunities are standard for mid-level engineering roles in large defense contractors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in McLeansville, NC, with flexibility for hybrid/flex/on-site work. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support collaborative engineering activities, potentially including labs or specialized workspaces for system integration and testing.

Office Location(s): McLeansville, NC (near Greensboro). This location is noted for its hybrid work flexibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expected to work closely with a cross-functional team, necessitating open communication and shared workspaces or virtual collaboration tools.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced engineering software for system modeling, requirements management, CAD/CAM, simulation, and potentially AI development platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for team meetings, design reviews, problem-solving sessions, and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• Offers a "9/80" schedule option, where employees work 80 hours over a nine-day period, resulting in every other Friday off. This provides significant flexibility for work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workplace Options" and "LI-Hybrid" tags from the input were used to define the work environment. The description of the workspace and schedule is expanded to align with typical hybrid engineering roles in the defense sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and qualifications, likely focusing on systems engineering experience, relevant technical skills, and security clearance eligibility.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussion of systems engineering principles, requirements management, system modeling, and experience with mechanical/electrical/hydraulic systems. Candidates may be asked to walk through past projects or problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present specific examples from their portfolio demonstrating their capabilities in system design, requirements traceability, and problem resolution.

• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of teamwork, communication, problem-solving under pressure, and alignment with company values (trust, honesty, alignment, transparency).

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of existing DoD Secret clearance and eligibility for access to classified information.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the systems engineering methodologies applied, key challenges faced, your solutions, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Highlight Requirements Management: Show how you translated high-level needs into detailed, testable requirements, and how you managed changes and ensured traceability.

• Demonstrate System Integration: Use diagrams or descriptions to illustrate how different subsystems (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic) were integrated, and how you managed interfaces.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail a specific complex technical problem you encountered, your analytical approach, the solution you devised, and the outcome.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced system integration time by 15%", "improved system reliability by X%").

Challenge Preparation:

• Systems Design Challenge: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might need to outline a high-level system design approach, identify key requirements, or propose trade-offs for a given submarine system component.

• Requirements Analysis Task: You might be given a set of high-level requirements and asked to break them down into more detailed, testable specifications.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a complex technical issue, such as troubleshooting integration problems or optimizing system performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are tailored for a Systems Engineer role in the defense industry, emphasizing technical depth, structured problem-solving, and the importance of demonstrating tangible results with a security clearance requirement.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Requirements Management Tools: Experience with tools like IBM DOORS, Jama Connect, or similar platforms for capturing, managing, and tracing requirements.

• System Modeling & Simulation Tools: Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Cameo Systems Modeler (No Magic), Enterprise Architect, or similar for creating system models, simulations, and performing analysis.

• CAD/CAE Software: Proficiency in or familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) for mechanical design and CAE tools for analysis.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana for project planning and tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Skills in analyzing test data using tools like Excel, Python (with libraries like NumPy, Pandas), or specialized statistical software.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise technical reports using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).

CRM & Automation:

• Not Directly Applicable: While GDMS uses CRM for business development, this specific engineering role is unlikely to require direct CRM interaction. Automation relevant to engineering processes (e.g., scripting for test automation) may be beneficial.

• Configuration Management Tools: Familiarity with tools used for managing system configurations and versions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for systems engineering roles, particularly in complex industries like defense. Emphasis is placed on requirements management, modeling/simulation, and analytical tools crucial for this type of engineering work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust, Honesty, Alignment, and Transparency: These are explicitly stated core values of GDMS, emphasizing integrity, clear communication, and ethical conduct in all operations and collaborations.

• Mission Focus: A strong dedication to supporting national security missions, driving a sense of purpose and commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable solutions.

• Innovation: Encouragement to explore new technologies and approaches, including AI, to continuously improve system capabilities and maintain a technological edge.

• Collaboration & Team Success: A culture that values teamwork, mutual support, and shared achievement over individual accolades.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expectation of active collaboration with engineers from diverse disciplines, program managers, and potentially external stakeholders (vendors, government representatives).

• Open Communication: A culture that supports open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of ideas and concerns to ensure project success.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned to foster collective growth and efficiency within the engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values were directly extracted from the "Company Overview." The collaboration style is inferred from the emphasis on "cross-functional team" and the general nature of complex engineering projects in the defense sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Submarine Systems: Navigating the intricate and highly regulated nature of submarine systems, demanding meticulous attention to detail and adherence to stringent standards.

• Integration of New Technologies: Successfully integrating emerging capabilities, such as AI, into established and legacy systems requires careful planning, testing, and validation to ensure reliability and security.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Maintaining an active DoD Secret security clearance and adhering to all protocols associated with classified information.

• Rapid Development Cycles: Potentially working within compressed timelines for concept development and rapid prototyping, requiring efficient problem-solving and agile execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like naval systems engineering, hydraulics, advanced materials, or AI applications through hands-on project work and internal training.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications in systems engineering (e.g., CSEP) or specialized technical domains.

• Leadership Training: Programs designed to develop leadership skills for those aspiring to move into team lead or management roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working within a diverse team provides exposure to various engineering disciplines, broadening overall technical understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are derived from the specific context of submarine systems engineering in the defense industry, including security requirements and the integration of new technologies. Growth opportunities are standard for mid-level engineers in a large, technology-focused organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical system you engineered, focusing on the requirements management and integration challenges you faced." (Preparation: Prepare a detailed case study highlighting your process, tools used, and problem-solving approach.)

• "How would you approach the concept development for a new capability on a submarine platform, considering factors like space, power, and security?" (Preparation: Outline your systems engineering methodology for early-stage development, emphasizing structured analysis and trade-offs.)

• "Discuss a time you had to integrate subsystems with different interface requirements. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you resolve them?" (Preparation: Focus on your ability to manage interfaces, troubleshoot integration issues, and ensure seamless system operation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for General Dynamics Mission Systems, specifically in the Seaborne Platform Systems domain?" (Preparation: Research GDMS's mission, recent projects, and values. Connect your skills and career goals to their work and culture.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working on complex, sensitive projects?" (Preparation: Provide examples of your teamwork, communication skills, and how you handle disagreements constructively.)

• "What are your thoughts on applying AI to defense systems, and how would you approach its integration from a systems engineering perspective?" (Preparation: Research current AI applications in defense and formulate a thoughtful approach to integration, considering GDMS's emphasis on innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your systems engineering skills, particularly in mechanical systems, requirements management, and integration.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodology used, key challenges, your specific contributions, and the outcomes. Use visuals (diagrams, screenshots) where appropriate.

• Emphasize Process and Tools: Be ready to discuss the specific systems engineering processes and tools you employed and why they were suitable for the project.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success and impact of your work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, trade-offs made, and how you handled unexpected issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is tailored to a Systems Engineer role in defense, focusing on technical depth, process articulation, and the ability to discuss complex engineering challenges and solutions, with a specific nod to security clearance and AI integration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official career portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your systems engineering experience, specific skills in requirements management, mechanical/electrical/hydraulic systems, and any defense or submarine-related projects. Ensure keywords from the job description are present.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize examples of your work that demonstrate your capabilities in system design, requirements traceability, test planning/execution, and problem-solving. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Research GDMS: Familiarize yourself with General Dynamics Mission Systems' mission, values, and recent projects, particularly in the naval and submarine sectors. Understand their commitment to innovation and security.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common systems engineering, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on providing specific, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples. Be prepared to discuss your security clearance status.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.