External Engagement Lead

SAIC is a trusted leader in delivering advanced command and control capabilities across the Department of the Air Force. We bring deep expertise in engineering, securing, and deploying cutting-edge technologies that support mission-critical operations. In partnership with the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, SAIC supports programs that unify data, sensors, mission applications, cloud-based services, and emerging AI-enabled automation. These efforts empower warfighters with a decisive edge, transforming complex, multidomain information into fast, clear, and actionable decisions when it matters most. As part of this team, you will help accelerate the integration, testing, security, and transition of new capabilities into operational use. You will work side by side with operators, engineers, Capability Providers, and government teams to ensure every delivery strengthens mission readiness. This role offers the opportunity to directly shape how the Air Force sees, decides, and acts across all domains—making a tangible and immediate impact on warfighter effectiveness.

SAIC is seeking an Externals Engagement Lead (EEL) to serve as the front door integrator and primary engagement lead for all external systems, data sources, and user communities seeking connection. This position provides a holistic interface role responsible for tracking, prioritizing, onboarding, coordinating, and guiding externals through the System Integration Process. The EEL works across engineering, cyber, PMO, WLT, and government stakeholders to ensure external partners integrate successfully, support real-world operations, and meet exercise and mission objectives.

Job Duties include:

• Serve as the primary entry point for all external systems, data sources, mission partners, and user communities seeking engagement
• Lead early discovery to define external mission needs, data flows, security posture, and integration objectives, and guide partners through the System Integration Process (SIP) and environment progression. 
• Track all external integrations across their lifecycle, maintaining status, priorities, risks, and required actions while ensuring alignment with PMO defined priorities. 
• Coordinate with CSF Systems Engineering, Integrator, Cyber, Architecture, Test, WLT, and Infrastructure teams to ensure external integrations align with the Technical Baseline and CCB/ARB governance. 
• Ensure external systems are prepared for real-world operations, major exercises, demos, and test events, collaborating closely with operator focused stakeholders. 
• Facilitate external participation in SIP ceremonies—including EIWG, Architecture Coordination, Requirements Coordination, and Environment CCBs—ensuring clarity of expectations and required artifacts. 
• Provide technical oversight of interface definition by helping external partners supply inputs for EICD development (data types, PPS, exchange methods, classification posture).
• Maintain long-term communication channels with assigned external partners, ensuring synchronized progress, issue resolution, and readiness for integration and operational use.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more of related experience; OR Masters and twelve (12) years or more of related experience; OR PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more of related experience.
• TS/SCI clearance and US citizenship.
• Experience leading integration of external systems or data sources in complex operational, cloud, or C2 environments.
• Demonstrated ability to guide mission partners through structured onboarding lifecycle processes or governance pathways.
• Familiarity with interface definition and the EICD lifecycle, with the ability to lead partners in providing required interface inputs.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across engineering, cyber, PMO, test, and operational communities.
• Experience coordinating multi‑team technical and operational engagements.
• Ability to track, prioritize, and manage a portfolio of external integrations.

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience supporting or contributing to PMO prioritization, backlog management, ARB/CCB processes, or structured change workflows. 
• Awareness of MBSE concepts (Cameo/SysML) and requirements traceability (non practitioner level). 
• Understanding of multiclassification data flows, PPS considerations, and cross domain integration constraints. 
• Experience supporting operational test events, exercises, or mission focused demonstrations.