Systems Engineering

The Systems Engineering program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, focuses on advancing engineering principles and practices across the Department of Defense. This initiative emphasizes modernizing systems and software engineering through modular open systems approaches and digital engineering. It supports the rapid adoption of emerging technologies to enhance interoperability and system integration, ensuring that defense capabilities remain agile and responsive to new threats. Additionally, the program prioritizes workforce development by providing training and guidance to maintain a skilled technical community within the defense sector.

Mission Engineering is a key component under this program, concentrating on integrating mission-focused analyses to support the National Defense Strategy. This project applies engineering rigor to both operational and technical analyses, enabling informed investment decisions for future capabilities. By executing mission engineering studies, it identifies technology solutions and develops Government Reference Architectures for new joint warfighting capabilities. These efforts are coordinated with various stakeholders, including the Joint Staff and Combatant Commands, to align technological advancements with strategic defense objectives.

The Program Engagement and Independent Assessments initiative conducts independent technical risk assessments for major defense acquisition programs. It provides critical evaluations to support cost, schedule, and performance targets in line with U.S.C. requirements. This initiative also accelerates critical technology efforts by conducting technical reviews such as Nunn-McCurdy certification reviews and software readiness assessments. It guides service organizations in developing executable programs within acceptable risk levels while monitoring technical aspects to ensure readiness for fielding.

The Engineering Architectures project supports system-of-systems architecture development to enhance joint multidomain operations. It offers policy guidance for modular open systems approaches and assists in Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications as well as Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control. This project aims to improve interoperability in acquisition programs while developing a capable workforce for sustaining enterprise system-of-systems engineering architectures. Through these efforts, it seeks to maintain technological superiority in an environment characterized by rapid change and complex challenges.