System of Systems (SoS) Integration Lead

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world”s most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

About the Hiring Group

RTI’s Laboratory Science & Engineering group is seeking a System‑of‑Systems (SoS) integration leader to develop integrated chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) platforms that combine sensors, models, medical countermeasures, and contamination mitigation, and AI‑enabled decision support for US defense and security clients.

This role is ideal for a technically strong systems integrator with deep familiarity with CBRN programs, operational users, and technology transition pathways.

What You”ll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and demonstrate SoS concepts and architectures that integrate:
• CBRN, environmental, and other sensor modalities.
• Exposure, hazard and risk assessment models.
• Wearable and platform‑based health monitoring and performance data streams.
• Medical counter measure delivery and contamination mitigation activation.
• AI/ML analytics, data fusion, and decision support tools that support workflows across that platform.
• Lead hands-on, applied R&D and prototype development (6.2–6.4) to demonstrate integrated CBRN platform solutions in lab, simulated, and field environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in sensing, aerosol science, exposure mitigation, toxicology, epidemiology, drug delivery, and data science to package institute capabilities into cohesive offerings for DoW CBRN enterprise needs.
• Coordinate platform development with operational units, test ranges, and government T&E organizations.
• Manage technical teams and subcontractors, ensuring interoperability, cybersecurity (RMF), and accreditation readiness for government IT integration.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams, oversee system engineering processes (requirements, architecture, integration, test), and manage technical risk and transition planning
• Drive business development and capture across the CBRN system of systems enterprise:
• Build relationships with defense agency clients and stakeholders.
• Engage closely with defense and security stakeholders to understand operational requirements, concepts of operation, and integration constraints and to align architectures with client needs.
• Shape and lead 6.2–6.4 proposals, including capture strategies, teaming, technical volumes, schedules, and budgets.
• Contribute to roadmaps and investment strategies that position RTI as a trusted integrator in the CBRN enterprise.
• Represent RTI in working groups, client and technical interchange meetings, and operational demonstrations.

To achieve success in this role, you will possess:

• Hands‑on experience architecting, integrating, and testing integrated systems for defense, homeland security, or similar mission environments; CBRN domain experience strongly preferred.
• Proven business development and capture experience with DoW, including customer engagement, proposal leadership, and shaping of requirements or solicitations.
• Strong system engineering skills: requirements development, architecture, interface control, integration planning, verification and validation, and test and evaluation.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams spanning hardware, software, analytics, and human systems integration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical reports, proposals, and sponsor presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to manage cross‑disciplinary teams and coordinate with external partners and government stakeholders.

What You”ll Need

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in systems engineering, electrical, chemical, or biomedical engineering, computer science, or a related field, with 5+ years of post-graduate (excluding postdoctoral) experience in CBRN, bio surveillance, or related system-of-systems programs, or
• MS with 8+ years of directly related experience and demonstrated success, or
• BS 10+ years of directly related experience and demonstrated success
• Demonstrated familiarity with JPEO‑CBRND portfolios and DoW CBRN warning, reporting, and hazard prediction systems (e.g., enterprise CBRN IT, hazard prediction and decision support tools).
• Demonstrated success in winning and executing DoW R&D or prototyping programs (6.2–6.4), including roles as PI, chief engineer, or systems architect.

Deep technical expertise in at least one of the following:

• CBRN detection
• Exposure, hazard, and risk modeling
• Health monitoring technologies
• Medical countermeasure delivery
• Contamination mitigation
• AI-based data fusion modalities for decision support
• U.S. citizenship required, with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Willingness to travel occasionally (CONUS/OCONUS)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying AI/ML to sensor fusion, anomaly detection, or health and performance analytics in operational environments
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, data standards, and interoperability constraints for DoD enterprise IT and tactical systems
• Prior involvement in operational transition or sustainment efforts, including knowledge of DoD test ranges and T&E processes

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EEO & Pay Equity Statements

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.

Equal Pay Act Minimum/Range
$140,000.00-$180,000.00