Working Level Systems Engineer – ISTAR

Build bold. Deliver impact. Win together.

At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, we’re not just engineering technology — we’re shaping the future of defence and security. Our teams design and deliver advanced, mission-critical solutions that enhance national security, strengthen communities, and protect the people we serve.

If you’re looking for meaningful work that contributes to a safer, more secure world, you’ll find purpose here. Every day, your skills will directly impact programs that matter.

We are currently seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to join our Land Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (LC5ISR) team, supporting the development and delivery of advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities for the Canadian Army.

In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, integration and validation of complex systems that support military communications, situational awareness and operational decision-making.

Working within a multidisciplinary Agile engineering team, you will independently manage assigned systems engineering activities, develop technical solutions and collaborate with software, hardware and integration teams to deliver mission-critical capabilities.

You will apply your technical expertise across the systems engineering lifecycle, from requirements development and system architecture to integration, verification and validation. You'll also have opportunities to investigate emerging technologies, contribute to engineering improvements and share your knowledge with other team members.

If you enjoy tackling complex technical challenges, taking ownership of engineering deliverables and working collaboratively to develop innovative defence technologies, we encourage you to apply

The following are typical responsibilities:

• Independently analyze complex technical problems and develop practical, effective engineering solutions.
• Develop, analyze and maintain system and subsystem requirements, ensuring alignment with operational needs and technical specifications.
• Design and document system architectures, operational concepts, use cases and system interfaces.
• Develop and maintain system architecture models using frameworks such as DnDAF and tools such as Enterprise Architect.
• Manage requirements, traceability and technical documentation using tools such as IBM DOORS.
• Collaborate with software, hardware and integration teams to support the development and delivery of integrated ISTAR capabilities.
• Plan, coordinate and execute assigned system integration, verification and validation activities.
• Investigate complex system defects, perform root cause analysis and recommend corrective actions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, assess technical feasibility and develop prototypes to support future system capabilities.
• Participate in technical design reviews, engineering assessments and discussions to support informed technical decisions.
• Identify potential technical risks and contribute to the development of mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with project managers, technical leads and engineering teams to coordinate assigned technical deliverables and meet project milestones.
• Support system demonstrations, external validation activities and field trials.
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, engineering processes and technical solutions.
• Share technical knowledge and provide guidance to less experienced engineering team members as needed.

What You Need to Have to Succeed

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent education and experience.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in systems engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Strong working knowledge of systems engineering principles, methodologies and the systems development lifecycle.
• Demonstrated experience developing system and subsystem requirements, system designs and technical documentation.
• Experience with systems integration, verification and validation activities.
• Ability to independently manage technical assignments, analyze complex problems and develop effective engineering solutions.
• Understanding of hardware and software integration, system interfaces and complex technical environments.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver technical solutions.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts to a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to contribute effectively within an Agile or collaborative engineering environment.

 What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience developing system architectures using DnDAF, DoDAF or similar architectural frameworks.
• Experience with Enterprise Architect or comparable architecture modelling tools.
• Experience with IBM DOORS or other requirements management tools.
• Familiarity with IBM Engineering Workflow Management (EWM/RTC), ClearQuest or Code Collaborator.
• Knowledge of networking and communications technologies, including VLANs and routing.
• Experience with system-of-systems engineering or complex systems integration.
• Experience developing or integrating software-intensive systems.
• Familiarity with defence technologies, military communications, tactical networks or ISTAR capabilities.
• Experience supporting system demonstrations, external validation events or field trials.
• Experience contributing to technical reviews, engineering assessments or system design discussions.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior engineering team members.

What We Offer 
The hiring range for this position is $88,000 to $105,000 CAD annual.

Our goal is to provide a fair and competitive offer based on an assessment of internal equity and your qualifications, including:

• Relevant experience
• Technical and non-technical skills
• Education and certifications

Our Benefits:
At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, we prioritize work-life balance. As a fulltime regular/term employee, you can enjoy a supportive, friendly and respectful environment with a competitive total rewards package.

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your eligible dependents, from day one of employment at no cost to you. 
  • Flexible benefit options available (including HCSA).
  • Emergency medical travel insurance.
  • 24/7 virtual health care services. 
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – counselling, life coaching, lifestyle change support, and financial planning.
• Onsite fitness facilities & employee resource groups.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP) with employer contributions after 3 months of service.
  • Access to financial advisors for investment advice and comprehensive financial planning. 
  • Voluntary Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) accessible from day one. 
• Flexible time away to rest and renew with vacation, holidays, vacation purchase plan and parental leaves (with top up options).
  • Sick leave and disability programs. 
• Grow your career your way with free access to a learning platform offering a wide range of courses and resources.
  • Educational Assistance Program to support formal learning. 
  • Self-directed mentoring opportunities. 
  • Reimbursement for professional and industry-related memberships and dues.
• Employee discounts on travel, home and auto insurance, as well as services and activities.
  • Free onsite parking.
  • Annual scholarship program for children of GD employees.
  • Employee social clubs and recreational activities.

Why join us?

• Purposeful Innovation: You’ll work on innovations that genuinely make a difference. You’ll apply advanced thinking, design expertise, and practical problem-solving to help equip military and allied forces with leading-edge systems. You’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the defence sector, contributing to next-generation technologies in an environment that celebrates creativity, new ideas, and modern solutions.
• Connection: We believe people do their best work when they feel they belong, and their ideas can flourish. Different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us innovate and grow. Strong relationships with our teammates help us unite, overcome challenges, and deliver the world-class quality we’re known for. Here, we are committed to inclusivity and ensures every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.
• Challenging and Rewarding Career Pathways: Your career path matters to us. From mentorship and regular check-ins with your leader to educational support, professional certifications, and continuous training, you’ll have the resources you need to thrive. We encourage internal mobility so you can explore different business areas, broaden your skillset, and expand your network. You’ll be working on high-profile, impactful projects that challenge your skills, expand your expertise, and allow you to both learn from mentors and guide others along the way.

Accommodation 
If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please contact Human Resources via [email protected].

Closing Date
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.