Model Based Systems Engineer in Lafayette, Colorado at Centil

***To be considered for this role, you must be a US Citizen with an active US government security clearance. Additionally, you must either live near or be willing to move to the Boulder, CO area.***

About Centil

Centil, a Sabel Systems company, is a mission-focused engineering team supporting some of the highest-priority space defense programs in the U.S. Space Force portfolio, including missile defense and missile warning systems for Space Systems Command. Our work spans DevSecOps, CI/CD product development, and space-domain systems engineering, and our people are embedded directly in the programs they support.

In January 2026, Sabel Systems acquired Centil to expand its Advanced Engineering Services capabilities. For our team, that means access to a broader portfolio of programs, deeper corporate resources, and new career pathways - while preserving the technical ownership and small-team culture that defines how we work. It's an exciting time to join Centil: we're growing, the mission portfolio is expanding, and we're building the team that will define what comes next. If you are interested in learning more about Centil or our team, check out our website at www.centil.io.

About the role

This position is for a Model Based Systems Engineer in Boulder, CO. You will be working closely with a talented team to assist in the design, implementation, and maintenance of critical defense systems through classic and modern Systems Engineering techniques. Additionally, we are tasked with improving the overall project management discipline of our clients by increasing collaboration and innovation and introducing techniques that promote adaptability and flexibility in the face of unpredictable circumstances, and that optimize return on investment expenditures.

This person should have training and experience in Systems Engineering practices to support the mission design work, process definition, and baseline management, with deep experience in Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE). Experience with Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) missions to be significant bonuses for this role. This role will work at the intersection of requirements development, systems design, and integration testing in a fast-paced defense environment.

This role will be onsite in Boulder, CO.

What you'll do

• Apply MBSE practices and tools to conduct requirements derivation, analysis, and documentation supporting common architecture definition and baseline design
• Contribute to and support the System Requirements Review (SRR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) processes
• Participate in derivation and traceability of test design and contribute to associated technical documentation
• Support development of an Integration and Test Prototype (ITP) as part of the CDR effort
• Work as an integrated team member applying Agile principles to manage and execute Work In Progress
• Support integration, test, and Operational Acceptance (OA) activities across government-directed sites in later phases
• Participate in proposal support activities as the program progresses through gates

Required Qualifications

• Active DoD security clearance (Secret minimum; TS/SCI preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, with demonstrated application of MBSE methodologies
• Proficiency in MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo)
• Experience with requirements derivation, management, and traceability
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, systems reviews (SRR, CDR), and defense program documentation standards
• Experience with integration and test environments a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field

Preferred/Bonus Qualifications

• Background in radar, ground systems, space systems, or related DoD mission areas
• Experience on Space Force or Missile Defense Agency programs
• Familiarity with Agile systems engineering practices
• Prior work on prototype development or operational acceptance programs

Other Company Requirements

In addition to job-specific requirements, Centil believes it is important for all employees to possess the following skills/characteristics:

• Strong communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills. Ability to passionately deliver high-level messaging to various types of audiences--this will eventually include senior leaders. Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical personnel
• Self-motivated individual who actively and independently seeks out opportunities for learning and development
• Collaborates well; enjoys working as part of a team
• DoD Secret or higher clearance is preferred. All applicants must be US citizens eligible for a US Government security clearance

Expected Salary Range

Depending on experience and skillset, most candidates will earn between $140,000 and $180,000 per year.

Please note that the salary range is a general guideline only. We consider many factors when determining salaries including, but are not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education, training, certifications, key skills, and mission/customer familiarity. We combine these factors with market and business considerations to extend a job offer.

Benefits

Centil offers a comprehensive benefits package including the following:

• Generous PTO for vacation, personal, or sick days
• Ten (10) paid holidays per year: 8 fixed holidays, plus 2 additional Floating Holidays per year (taken at Employee's discretion)
• Flex time and the ability to create your own schedule
• Discretionary bi-annual bonus plan, based on individual and company performance
• 401K retirement plan with immediately vested company contributions, no matching required
• Healthcare coverage plan through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA)
• Employer-paid Life, Long-Term Disability, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurances
• Access to optional, employee-paid Life, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity insurances
• Access to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid training and conference attendance
• Additional benefits, as needed, for significant life events: parental leave, bereavement leave, jury duty pay, military leave pay
• One-time home office reimbursement
• Phone plan reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, supporting emotional health and well-being of employees and their families

Centil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.