Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Competency Model
September 1, 2007
Version 1.13E
SEworks Program
Preface
MITRE is pleased to offer the community this Systems Engineering Competency Model that we have developed and used internally. We hope that
others who are concerned with understanding and improving workforce systems engineering competencies will find it thought provoking and useful.
To put this material in the proper context so that it may be applied appropriately, some explanation is in order.
Competency models can serve a variety of purposes, including recruitment and on-boarding, assessment, promotion, recognition and reward,
development, and performance management. At MITRE, we have used this particular model primarily for competency assessments (self and
manager) and development activities. Specifically, it underlies a multi-level systems engineering curriculum than we are rolling out in phases for
internal training.
It should be noted that this competency model can be applied to an individual or to a team environment, in which the team needs to bring a union of
talents to bear. However, it must be understood that, as for any good competency model, its details are unique to its developers needs (i.e.,
MITREs), which are shaped by our role as an offerer of Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) services to our government
sponsors. While we believe that much in the model is applicable to others doing systems engineering, which is why we are making it available, it
should be used as a reference from which to springboard toward products that are tailored to other specific circumstances and needs, and not applied
blindly.
Finally, no organization is static. MITREs understanding of its competency needs have evolved since this model was created. We know that certain
sections can be improved, and are in the process of doing so, again tailored to our specific needs. When a new version is ready, we will update the
material herein, but evolution will continue and it will never be completely finished.
I hope that you find the material of interest. If you have comments or feedback, we would be happy to hear from you at secmfeedback@mitre.org.
Sincerely,
Introduction
The MITRE Institute Systems Engineering (SE) Capability Enhancement Project (SECEP) committee, along with more than 150 MITRE
systems engineers and technical experts, built this competency model to help MITRE staff enhance our strategic capability in systems engineering.
This model reflects MITREs brand of systems engineering, which is a government view and approach to systems engineering. In our
independent partnering role as an FFRDC, we take the governments view and support its needs. Contractors would have a somewhat different
systems engineering competency model than the one described here. MITREs Systems Engineers generally become systems engineers by two
mechanisms: 1) They may start their career in a deep technical specialty and broaden their system view over the years as they take on more project
responsibilities; 2) They may be trained in systems engineering through either academic or corporate related education. In either case, on the job
work experience is a critical requirement for becoming a good systems engineer.
There are two general competency model approaches a shorter success model and a longer comprehensive model. The purpose of a
success model is to describe a small set of competencies that differentiate successful systems engineers from average performers. The purpose of
a comprehensive model is to identify all the competencies required to fulfill a particular role. The MITRE Institute chose to develop a
comprehensive model, as it is more useful in assessing and developing individuals and teams for the wide range of systems engineering jobs.
The original draft competencies were based upon information from standards bodies, the MITRE Institute, commercial companies, and
Government sources. The non-technical competencies were extracted from the MITRE Institute Leadership and Management competency model
for consideration as part of the suite of competencies that are important for successful systems engineers. The model went through numerous
revisions with input from many across MITRE before it reached this form. It will continue to evolve and be upgraded as we document more about
the systems engineering practice at MITRE, especially in the enterprise systems engineering area.
The competency model describes the competencies, key actions and behaviors that are needed for systems engineers to be effective on their
jobs. It consists of 36 competencies organized into five different sections of the model.
Each competency in the model consists of a set of job-related key actions, which describe a set of related behaviors.
Each behavior describes a specific, observable action. The behaviors affect a part of the SE's job, correlate with performance on the job,
can be observed and evaluated, and can be improved via training and development (e.g., collects information to understand the sponsors
mission; translates the sponsors needs into well-written requirements; conducts technical reviews and audits; etc.).
NOTE: One specific action verb that is often used at the expert level is the verb Recommends. While this verb is frequently used, it
denotes a strong recommends. A strong recommends means that the MITRE systems engineers not only recommend solutions and
results backed up by evidence, but they also remain in close association with our government sponsor/customer to help implement and
carry out the agreed to recommendations.
Levels of Proficiency
The MITRE systems engineering competency model has three (3) levels of proficiency (i.e., levels of capability). The key actions and
behaviors in the model are shown in three proficiency columns Foundational, Intermediate, and Expert. A persons competence at a specific
proficiency level is generally the result of education, work experience, job tasks, and specific job roles.
The general idea of a proficiency level is that the staff member performs work at a specific level as part of their normal job role and they are
often mentoring and reviewing work from the levels below the one on which they are performing. The three proficiency levels are cumulative.
Foundational level behaviors are mastered as a basis for arriving at an Intermediate level of proficiency, and Intermediate level behaviors are
mastered as a prerequisite for arriving at the Expert level. The higher levels are capable of performing the work of the levels below them. They
have probably accomplished this role and these behaviors in the past. Depending on the size of the project, they may have to perform some of
these lower-level behaviors in their present job role.
A MITRE systems engineer is likely to be expert in some competencies, intermediate in others, and foundational in others. It is not expected,
and it would be highly unlikely, that any one person would be expert in all the behaviors and competencies in this model.
Competency Wheel
Both technical and non-technical competencies distinguish MITRE as a strategic mission partner with the Government, fulfilling its special
FFRDC relationship in the public interest. There are a number of enterprise systems engineering concepts in Section 1 Enterprise Perspectives,
but there are also a number of enterprise engineering related behaviors throughout the other competency model sections, especially at the Expert
proficiency level.
The SE competency wheel in Figure 1 illustrates the grouping of the competencies into the following five Sections:
1.0 Enterprise Perspectives includes critical competencies that distinguish MITRE systems engineers by the way they think about and
approach systems engineering efforts, how they communicate their strategic work to their sponsors and customers, and how they support
and influence their decision making.
2.0 Systems Engineering Life Cycle consists of the fundamental competencies that systems engineers need to conduct their job
throughout the systems engineering life cycle. No specific life cycle methodology is implied.
3.0 Systems Engineering Planning and Management describes the competencies that the systems engineer needs to be competent in
for planning and technical management of systems engineering activities on MITRE projects and programs. Some competencies, for
example, risk management, may be used in every part of the life cycle, while others are called for in only specific parts of the life cycle.
4.0 Systems Engineering Technical Specialties are "call as needed" competencies that describe how the MITRE systems engineer
works with a range of specialty engineering disciplines. These competencies will only be used on projects that require this type of
specialty engineering support. Note: these competencies and behaviors are written for the systems engineer, not the specialist.
Competency 4.9 was written as a general specialty engineering collaboration competency, which describes how the systems engineer
would interface with technical specialties not explicitly included in this section.
5.0 Collaboration and Individual Characteristics includes competencies that describe important, universal communications skills and
personal characteristics. The competencies were selected from The MITRE Institutes Leadership and Management Model and were
prioritized as the most important for MITRE systems engineers.
Enterprise Perspectives includes essential competencies that distinguish MITRE systems engineers by the way they think about and approach
systems engineering efforts. They use systems thinking to work comprehensively across portfolios, model systems of varying complexities, and
create strategies that consider all aspects of the sponsors problems. They innovate and willingly work with partial and/or ambiguous problems,
frame the essence of the sponsor/customers problem, and build scalable and adaptable solutions, while considering the larger stakeholder
community. Through relationship building, they find the best resources for the sponsor/customer inside and outside of MITRE, present unbiased
positions to them, and explain complex ideas in understandable terms.
1.1 Comprehensive Viewpoints. Systems engineers demonstrate a broad understanding of the systems context and environment, model
systems of varying complexities, and discover new approaches and ideas to model complex systems. They perform portfolio gap analyses and
scenario developments, learn to view uncertainty as an opportunity for achieving better enterprise capability, and create long-term strategies that
achieve business/mission objectives. They consider the future needs of the sponsor/customer by considering all aspects of their problems,
including the political, organizational, economic, operational and technical aspects.
1.2 Innovative Approaches. Systems engineers innovatively identify partial solutions to ambiguous problems, propose and generate creative
ideas and solutions, and frame the essence of the sponsor/customer's problem. They develop solutions that take a global view, while addressing
competing local interests, synthesize information into solutions that make appropriate trade-offs by aligning the interests of the larger stakeholder
community, and recommend scalable and adaptable solutions for complex systems to the sponsor/customer.
1.3 Foster Stakeholder Relationships. Systems engineers network to build alliances and consensus among stakeholders and leverage the
best engineering resources for the sponsor/customer inside and outside MITRE. They develop and express independent, objective, and
unbiased positions, and can communicate information objectively, directly, and tactfully to key decision-makers, including information on
sensitive or politically-charged issues. They explain complex ideas, problems and solutions in understandable terms, question assumptions, and
give frank advice even when it may require difficult conversations with our stakeholders .
The Systems Engineering Life Cycle consists of the fundamental competencies that systems engineers need to be competent in regardless of
the life cycle methodology used. They conceptually define systems, specify and create architectures, and define alternative approaches. They
monitor and assess design, development, integration, and test. They help the sponsor/customer with deployment, operations, and maintenance
issues.
2.1 Concept Definition. Systems engineers create and gain agreement on a working description and view about how the system or systems
will be used and function in the target environment, including needs assessments, a Concept of Operations, top-level systems requirements, and
creation of a high-level conceptual design.
2.2 Requirements Engineering. Systems engineers integrate business/mission and operational needs and transform these needs into system
requirements. They analyze, manage, and trace systems requirements, facilitate stakeholder agreement about changes to and management of
the systems requirements, and recommend critical performance measures and safety features.
2.3 Architecture. Systems engineers describe the current architecture and underlying technologies for future architectures, perform an Analysis
of Alternatives (AoA) to frame future architectures, and recommend solutions. They design an architecture that captures requirements and
adapts to changes, and they recommend an architecture solution that meets business/mission needs.
2.4 Systems Design and Development. Systems engineers prepare design and milestone review criteria, and they develop and gain
agreement from the sponsor/customer on design review and milestone-decision approaches. They evaluate and influence the contractors
design and development effort, make initial performance assessments, and lead design review teams.
2.5 Systems Integration. Systems engineers assist with the development of an integration approach and the identification of integration and
interoperability challenges. They create and advocate integration strategies that meet business/mission needs, use domain knowledge to
evaluate integration and interoperability options for evolving systems, and observe and assess integration testing.
2.6 Test and Evaluation. Systems engineers assist with developing and defining test and evaluation plans and procedures. They create and
guide test and evaluation strategies to field effective and interoperable systems. They participate in developmental and operational testing,
observe and communicate test results, influence the re-test and mitigation strategy, and assist the sponsor/customer with the system acceptance
decision.
2.7 Systems Implementation, Operations and Maintenance, and Transitions. Systems engineers prepare transition plans for delivering
systems, gain agreement on the transitional approach, and support system deployment, including simultaneous systems operation. They
develop, evaluate and recommend system operations, maintenance, and disposal plans. They develop and influence approaches for system
modifications and technology insertion.
Systems Engineering Planning and Management describes fundamental competencies that the systems engineer needs to be capable of in the
planning and managing the systems engineering activities for projects, programs, and enterprises throughout the life cycle. Some competencies,
for example, risk management, may be used in every part of the life cycle, while others are only called for during specific life cycle phases.
3.1 Transformational Planning. Systems engineers collect and assess data related to changes in current operations, processes, and
procedures. They formulate and recommend a strategy (and plans) for transforming the sponsor/customer organization, structure, and
processes, and they recommend systems interfaces and related interactions with other organizations. They collaborate and build consensus
with the sponsor/customer for the transformation and they assist with a communication strategy.
3.2 Government Acquisition Support. Systems engineers identify key features of the acquisition, develop acquisition plans, and collaborate
with the sponsor/customer to establish the acquisition program office. They work with the sponsor/customer to examine, develop, and select the
systems engineering life cycle approach for the program. They develop plans to support the selected approach. They help plan contractor
milestones and deliverables, and the exit criteria from each acquisition phase. They support the acquisition process by helping to create the
SOW, WBS, and RFP, and then they assist with the analysis and selection of the best contractor.
3.3 Contractor Evaluation. Systems engineers perform contractor evaluations and milestone reviews, influence sponsor/customer decisions
during these reviews, monitor contractors continued performance, and recommend changes based upon the their performance. They also
participate in independent review teams.
3.4 Risk Management. Systems engineers propose and influence the risk management approach. They identify, analyze, and prioritize risks,
with respect to impact, probabilities, dependencies, timeframes, and unknowns. They prepare and monitor risk mitigation plans and strategies,
conduct reviews, and elevate important risks.
3.5 Configuration Management. Systems engineers prepare configuration management approaches, processes, and plans. They analyze and
track changes to the baseline, evaluate the impacts from the proposed changes, facilitate decisions on these changes, and ensure that approved
changes are implemented.
3.6 Integrated Logistics Support. Systems engineers develop an integrated life-cycle logistics support approach, recommend alternatives
during all life cycle phases to minimize risk and cost, and help guide the planning and implementation of logistics support.
3.7 Quality Assurance and Measurement. Systems engineers recommend establishing a quality assurance program in the systems
acquisition and/or the Government operational organization and guide the establishment and direction of the program. They conduct process
and product reviews and influence the resolution of corrective actions to ensure adherence to documented processes. They help develop a
measurement capability in the systems acquisition and/or the operational organizations.
3.8 Continuous Process Improvement. Systems engineers collaborate with the sponsor/customer to develop and influence the Government's
approach to implementing and improving systems engineering processes for the acquisition organization, by drafting policy, developing plans,
and conducting maturity assessments. They collaborate with government and contractor organizations to implement, assess, and improve
shared systems engineering processes.
System Engineering Technical Specialties are "call as needed" competencies that describe how the MITRE systems engineer works with a
range of specialty engineering disciplines in one or more phases of the systems engineering life cycle. These are competencies and behaviors for
which the systems engineer needs to be capable, not the specialist. These competencies would be written differently for specialists.
4.1 Cost/Benefit Analysis. Systems engineers collaborate with the cost/benefit analyst and sponsor/customer to define the approach, scope,
products, key parameters, and trade-offs of the analysis. They support and provide direction to the analyst, review results, guide and evaluate
the sensitivity of the analysis, and provide technical, programmatic and enterprise-wide perspectives for the benefit of the analyst.
4.2 Human Centered Engineering (HCE). Systems engineers collaborate with the specialist to support HCE activities, define the HCE
approach, and recommend design and trade-off decisions during the early acquisition phases. They collaborate with the HCE and the
sponsor/customer during system development and operational phases to ensure that HCE concerns are met and resolve.
4.3 Modeling and Simulation (M&S). Systems engineers collaborate with the specialist to identify approaches, create and validate models,
interpret results, and recommend changes to operational capabilities. They collaborate with and leverage other M&S efforts and they support
M&S exercises and games.
4.4 Security Engineering. Systems engineers collaborate with the specialist and the sponsor/customer to identify security engineering
approaches and constraints, plan for certification and accreditation, and recommend security-related trade-offs.
4.5 Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability (RMA). Systems engineers collaborate with the specialist and the sponsor/customer to identify
approaches, interpret RMA model results and sensitivities, suggest design changes, and prioritize corrective actions. They collaborate with the
specialist and the sponsor/customer to recommend logistics approaches to improve the RMA of operational systems.
4.6 Safety Engineering. Systems engineers collaborate with the specialist to identify safety engineering approaches and activities, conduct
safety-related analyses, examine study or modeling results and their sensitivities, and provide recommendations on design trade-offs.
4.7 Software and Information Engineering. Systems engineers collaborate with the specialists to analyze user needs, develop software
requirements, define performance measures, and prioritize risks. They facilitate interaction among the sponsor/customer, end-users, and
specialists to clarify expectations, problems, and potential solutions. They work with the specialists to create information approaches and views
of the enterprise, review data and reliability modeling studies, and ensure legacy data conforms to new practices in the operational domain.
They identify critical areas for software testing, communicate risks, and develop mitigation strategies based on the testing results.
4.8 Communications/Networking Engineering. Systems engineers collaborate with the specialists to develop approaches to data and network
management, define end-to-end network/communications requirements, define system performance parameters, and determine vendor
independent architecture solutions. They help the specialist investigate testing and operational performance issues, examine the impacts of new
technology insertions, and assist with the integration of COTS/GOTS.
4.9 Collaborating with Technical Specialties. Systems engineers identify the need, define the scope, and estimate the cost of studies and
special engineering efforts. They help to obtain support and resources from the sponsor/customer and from the specialty engineering group.
They select specialists and collaborate with them by providing technical and programmatic insights, analyze the results of studies, assist with
specialty test and test results interpretation, and ensure system corrections and re-test occur.
Collaboration and Individual Characteristics competencies describe important, universal collaboration skills and personal characteristics.
Systems engineers communicate and interpret the vision of the big picture across multiple disciplines, teams, and environments. They transform
the visions of leaders into the engineering work performed by technical staff, and communicate information to ensure success. Strong competence
in these collaboration and individual characteristics is important for successful completion of their projects.
5.1 Building Trust. Systems engineers gain other people's confidence and help to set an environment of trust by communicating openly,
acknowledging and advocating the contributions of others, being honest, and behaving consistently in words and actions.
5.2 Building a Successful Team. Systems engineers collaborate on teams using appropriate methods and a flexible interpersonal style. They
articulate team expectations and clarify roles and responsibilities. They facilitate the completion of team goals, by developing, motivating, and
guiding teams toward the achievement of their objectives.
5.3 Communicating with Impact. Systems engineers express thoughts and ideas in a clear, succinct, and compelling manner in both individual
and group situations. They adjust their language to capture the attention of the audience.
5.4 Persuasiveness and Influence. Systems engineers effectively communicate to persuade or influence others outside ones formal authority
to accept a point of view, to adopt a specific agenda, or to take a course of action in the best interests of the sponsor/customer and the wider
stakeholder community.
5.5 Facilitating, Managing, and Championing Change. Systems engineers initiate, encourage, facilitate, manage, and support the
implementation and acceptance of needed changes within ones own organization or within the sponsor/customers organization (e.g., new
strategies, methods, policies or processes).
5.6 High Quality Standards. Systems engineers set high standards of performance for self and others, assume responsibility and
accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks, and self-impose standards of excellence.
5.7 Results Orientation. Systems engineers set high goals for personal and group accomplishment, use measurement methods to monitor
progress toward goal attainment, and tenaciously work to meet or exceed goals.
5.8 Adaptability. Systems engineers maintain effectiveness when experiencing changes in work tasks or the work environment and adjust
effectively to operate within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
5.9 Integrity. Systems engineers champion social, ethical, and organizational values and principles, which reflect MITREs high standards in its
public interest role.
Collects information and works with Demonstrates a broad understanding of Anticipates future needs and changes
senior staff to understand the systems the systems context and environment. based on a broad understanding of the
context and environment. systems context and environment.
Applies a business/mission perspective to Applies a long-term, business/mission Advocates a long-term, business/mission
address current sponsor/customer and perspective with MITREs stakeholders that perspective with our key stakeholders that
stakeholder problems and opportunities. extends beyond the objectives of a specific extends beyond the objectives of a specific
project or program. project or program.
Gathers information about the Demonstrates a broad understanding of the Anticipates future needs based on a broad
sponsor/customer's public service mission, sponsor/customer's public service mission, understanding of the sponsor/customer's
business and operational domains, business and operational domains, multiple public service mission, business and
multiple stakeholder requirements, and stakeholder requirements, and government operational domains, multiple stakeholder
government acquisition conditions. acquisition conditions. requirements, and government acquisition
conditions.
Gathers information to understand systems Describes systems from multiple Presents systems descriptions to the
from multiple perspectives that go beyond perspectives that go beyond the engineering sponsor/customer that go beyond the
the engineering level to encompass level to encompass technological, economic, engineering level to encompass
technological, economic, managerial, and managerial, and social perspectives. technological, economic, managerial, and
social perspectives. social perspectives.
Collects information about a broad range Scans the environment to identify and Communicates with the sponsor/customer
of issues that may impact systems in their anticipate changes in a broad range of about anticipated changes in a broad range
environment (technical standards, policies, issues that may impact systems across the of issues that may impact their systems
regulations, funding, scoping, etc.). enterprise (technical standards, policies, across the enterprise (technical standards,
regulations, funding, scoping, etc.). policies, regulations, funding, scoping, etc.).
Assists in analyzing the maturity of Assesses the maturity of emerging Communicates assessment results to the
emerging technologies and their technologies and their applicability across sponsor/customer about the maturity of
applicability to a specific systems solution. broader mission areas of the enterprise. emerging technologies and their applicability
across broader mission areas of the
enterprise.
Explores ambiguous problems and Identifies partial solutions to Recommends partial solutions to
partial solutions. ambiguous problems. ambiguous problems.
Acknowledges what is unknown and seeks Acknowledges what is unknown and seeks Acknowledges what is unknown and seeks
greater understanding from appropriate greater understanding from appropriate greater understanding from appropriate
sources inside MITRE. sources inside and outside MITRE. sources inside and outside MITRE.
Questions the viability of incomplete ideas Contributes to the exploration and Explores the potential evolution of
while allowing them to evolve. evolution of incomplete ideas and incomplete ideas and embryonic concepts to
embryonic concepts so that valid discover if valid approaches may emerge.
approaches may emerge.
Works with vague definitions, fuzzy Identifies approaches to vague definitions, Recommends potential solutions to address
problems, and messy boundaries that have fuzzy problems, and messy boundaries vague definitions, fuzzy problems, and
no clear solution or outcome. that have no clear solution or outcome. messy boundaries that have no clear
solution or outcome.
Works with partial solutions. Identifies partial solutions by assessing Recommends partial solutions that meet an
when good is good enough, and offers important subset of needs quickly, coupled
approaches to seek better solutions. with approaches to seek better or more
effective solutions.
Proposes creative, innovative ideas Generates creative ideas and Recommends innovative and feasible,
and solutions. solutions. ideas and solutions.
Combines ideas in unique and creative Synthesizes ideas in unique, creative, and Recommends new approaches and solutions
ways that go beyond straight-line forward-thinking ways to explore new in unique, creative, and forward-thinking
reasoning and obvious answers. approaches and solutions. ways.
Demonstrates openness to innovative Encourages openness to innovative ideas Rewards openness to innovative ideas from
ideas from others. from others. others.
Creates implementable and affordable Creates implementable and affordable Proposes implementable and affordable
ideas quickly. ideas quickly. ideas to the sponsor/customer.
Helps to create innovative solutions by Builds innovative solutions that include Convinces the sponsor/customer to accept
building prototypes, conducting prototyping, experimentation, and innovative solutions that include prototyping,
experiments, and using visualization visualization techniques. experimentation, and visualization
techniques. techniques.
Builds cooperative relationships. Obtains the best engineering Leverages engineering resources and
resources and builds cooperative relationships for the sponsor/customer
relationships inside and outside inside and outside MITRE.
MITRE.
Networks with MITRE staff, interacting Cultivates an active network across Forms alliances across technical and
across Centers to build relationships and technical groups, regulatory groups, regulatory groups, sponsors/customers, and
learn about MITREs activities and sponsors/customers, and other key other key stakeholders for information
capabilities. stakeholders for information sharing, sharing, collaboration, and decision-making.
collaboration, and decision-making.
Works on integrated engineering teams to Fosters relationships with key stakeholders Leverages key alliances to gain cooperation,
gain cooperation, promote openness to to gain cooperation, promote openness to promote openness to new ideas and
new ideas and recommendations, and new ideas and recommendations, and recommendations, and receive feedback
receive feedback about priorities for receive feedback about priorities for about priorities for systems engineering
systems engineering efforts. systems engineering efforts. efforts.
Works effectively with multiple engineering Evaluates analyses and solutions from Leverages key stakeholder relationships to
disciplines and teams to create and multiple engineering disciplines and teams. influence decision-makers on important
understand other analyses and solutions. integrated designs and solutions.
Finds the best systems and specialty Finds the best systems and specialty Leverages diverse resources from inside
engineering expertise from inside of engineering expertise from inside of and outside of MITRE to meet future
MITRE. MITRE. sponsor/customer needs for systems and
specialty engineering expertise.
Uses corporate memory across numerous Leverages corporate memory across
systems engineering projects to facilitate numerous systems engineering projects to
the integration of legacy and future facilitate the integration of legacy and future
systems. systems.
Supports systems studies and Conducts needs assessments and Gains agreement on business/mission
analyses. creates a Concept of Operations. needs and the Concept of Operations.
Assists in defining the business and Defines the business and mission need for Recommends the business and mission
mission need for systems that will provide systems that will provide services, need for systems that will provide services,
services, capabilities or platforms to end- capabilities or platforms to end-users and capabilities or platforms to end-users and
users and other stakeholders. other stakeholders. other stakeholders.
Assists with developing a business case Develops a business case that analyzes Develops a business case that analyzes
that analyzes the return on investment for return on investment that is complete return on investment that is complete
a system or multiple systems. enough to be used to justify funding for a enough to be used to justify funding for a
system or multiple systems. system or multiple systems and uses the
business case to influence key stakeholders.
Assists with developing various scenarios Creates various scenarios for system use, Gains stakeholder acceptance of the
for system use, functions, and functions, and performance that include preferred scenarios for system functions and
performance in the target environment. conditions, constraints, how people will performance based on the business/mission
work with each other, and the technology objectives and Concept of Operations.
in the target environment (i.e., Concept of
Operations).
Defines operational and top-level Defines operational and top-level Gains agreement on the operational and
systems requirements of a system. systems requirements across multiple top-level systems requirements across
systems. multiple systems.
Assists in defining of operational and top- Defines operational and top-level systems Gains end user and stakeholder agreement
level systems requirements that are requirements that are reasonable, on the operational and top-level systems
reasonable, complete, and testable (and complete, and testable, and demonstrates requirements, and demonstrates how these
address system attributes such as how these requirements relate to key requirements relate to key performance
functionality, performance, reliability, performance parameters and measures of parameters and measures of effectiveness.
maintainability, availability, and usability). effectiveness.
Identifies conditions, constraints, Assesses key conditions, constraints, Gains end user and stakeholder agreement
conflicting requirements, and conflicting requirements, and about the key conditions, constraints, and
organizational issues, including safety and organizational issues, including safety and the resolution of conflicting requirements and
security factors. security factors. organizational issues, including safety and
security factors.
Describes the current architecture and Performs an Analysis of Alternatives Recommends alternative future
underlying technologies for future (AoA) to frame future architectures. architecture solutions.
architectures.
Describes the current architecture in a Validates the description of the current
clear and concise manner with the architecture with end-users, stakeholders,
assistance of non-automated and model driven architectures, and other
automated tools and techniques. methods.
Identifies underlying Commercial-Off-the- Performs an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) Recommends alternative architectural
Shelf (COTS), Government-Off-the-Shelf, to frame potential architectures that meet solutions that meet requirements and
and research technologies for potential requirements and constraints of cost, constraints of cost, schedule, and risks.
architectures. schedule, and risks.
Assists with designing an architecture Designs an architecture that captures Recommends an architecture solution
that captures requirements and adapts requirements and adapts to changes. that meets business/mission needs.
to changes.
Provides tool evaluations for various Recommends tools for various architectural
architectural tasks. tasks.
Considers flexible, adaptable systems that Advocates flexible, adaptable systems that Advocates flexible, adaptable systems that
may evolve with future requirements, may evolve with future requirements, may evolve with future requirements,
business processes, and capabilities. business processes, and capabilities. business processes, and capabilities.
Assists with the design of an architecture Designs an architecture solution that Recommends an enterprise architecture
solution that captures operational/systems captures operational/system requirements, solution that meets operational/systems
requirements. and is consistent across the enterprise. requirements and business/mission needs.
Identifies systems interfaces and Determines the agreements that need to Facilitates agreements among multiple
interoperability concerns. be reached among stakeholders based stakeholders to resolve system interfaces
upon the systems interfaces and and interoperability concerns.
interoperability concerns.
Records architecture information with tools Assesses and approves an architecture Assesses the integrity of the overall
that include functional and structural model that includes functional and architectural model to ensure that it meets
partitioning, interface definitions, design structural partitioning, interface definitions, the operational/system requirements and the
decisions, and requirements traceability. design decisions, and requirements business/mission needs.
traceability.
Prepares the detailed description of the Communicates a simplified description of Gains agreement on the architecture solution
architecture. the architecture to multiple stakeholders. from multiple stakeholders.
Prepares design and milestone review Develops design review and milestone Gains agreement on design review and
criteria. decision approaches. milestone decision approaches.
Develops data driven processes for Gains agreement with the sponsor/customer
conducting design reviews and making on data driven processes for conducting
milestone decisions. design reviews and making milestone and
programmatic decisions.
Drafts preliminary design and milestone Refines preliminary design and milestone Gains agreement with the sponsor/customer
review criteria to ensure that critical review criteria to ensure that critical bus- on the design and milestone review criteria
technical requirements will be met. iness/operational requirements will be met. to ensure that critical business/operational
requirements will be met.
Evaluates contractor designs, Evaluates the contractors design and Influences the contractors design and
artifacts, and deliverables. development effort. development effort.
Reviews the contractors preliminary Reviews the contractors preliminary Influences the contractors preliminary
design against systems/operational design against systems/operational design so that it is acceptable to the
requirements, technical standards, and requirements and the business/mission sponsor/customer and meets the overall
good design practices. objectives. business/mission objectives of the
enterprise.
Analyzes the contractors artifacts and Evaluates the contractors design and Recommends changes to the contractors
deliverables to ensure they are clear and development activities, artifacts, and design and development activities, artifacts,
complete, and meet technical deliverables to assess performance, and and deliverables to address performance
requirements. determine if requirements and shortfalls.
business/mission objectives have been
satisfied.
Decides if a performance shortfall meets Recommends to the sponsor/customer if a
mission requirements whether or not the performance shortfall meets mission
design meets technical requirements. requirements whether or not the design
meets technical requirements.
Provides technical and other support for Leads the sponsor/customers design Influences decisions made in the sponsor/
the sponsor/customers design review review teams, and determines the need for customers design review teams and
teams, and suggests participation by participation by specialty engineering. ensures the appropriate involvement of
specialty engineering. specialty engineering.
Assists with the development of an Creates integration strategies that Advocates for integration strategies that
integration approach and identification meet business/mission needs and meet business/mission needs and
of integration and interoperability addresses integration and addresses integration and
challenges. interoperability challenges. interoperability challenges.
Assists in formulating an integrated picture Formulates an integrated picture that Formulates an integrated picture that
that encompasses multiple, interoperable encompasses multiple, interoperable encompasses multiple, interoperable
systems, and their environments, systems, and their environments, systems, and their environments,
components and interfaces. components and interfaces. components and interfaces.
Assists with developing an integration Develops strategies that address Recommends strategies that address
approach, and identifying integration, business/mission needs, and integration, business/mission needs, and integration,
interface, and interoperability constraints interface, and interoperability challenges interface, and interoperability challenges
within and across environments. within and across environments within and across environments
Identifies resources needed to complete an Analyzes information about the resources Recommends resources needed to complete
integration plan (expertise, funding, needed to complete an integration plan. the integration plan and activities.
roadmaps, interface definitions, etc.).
Applies basic domain knowledge and Applies deep domain knowledge and Leverages knowledge from multiple domains
previous systems engineering experience breadth of systems engineering experience and extensive systems engineering
to identify systems integration and to address systems integration and experience to achieve the desired state of
interoperability issues. interoperability challenges and issues. systems integration and interoperability.
Identifies interfaces involving prototypes, Evaluates interfaces and integration
developed software, commercial off the problems involving prototypes, developed
shelf software (COTS), and legacy software, commercial off the shelf software
systems. (COTS), and legacy systems.
Identifies integration and interoperability Evaluates integration and interoperability Influences integration and interoperability
options for evolving systems, phasing out options for evolving systems, phasing out strategies for evolving systems, phasing out
of legacy systems, and phasing in of new of legacy systems, and phasing in of new of legacy systems, and phasing in of new
systems. systems. systems.
Participates in integration testing and Observes the integration test and Guides integration testing and evaluation
evaluation to assess systems performance evaluation process to assess results and activities to influence the sponsor/customer
and conformance to requirements. identify integration challenges. and contractor to address integration
challenges.
Assists with developing and defining Creates test and evaluation strategies Guides test and evaluation strategies to
test and evaluation plans and to field an effective and interoperable field an effective and interoperable
procedures. system. system.
Creates test and evaluation strategies that Gains stakeholder agreement for the
result in fielding an effective and recommended test and evaluation strategy
interoperable system. and the certification and accreditation
process.
Prepares lower level test and evaluation Creates a Test and Evaluation Master Plan Gains approval of the Test and Evaluation
plans and procedures that may include (TEMP) linked to the Systems Engineering Master Plan (TEMP) from the
validation by paper, equipment, or models. Plan (SEP) that dedicates scheduled sponsor/customer, program manager, and
resources to assess the operational chief systems engineer.
effectiveness, interoperability, and
performance of the system(s).
Assists in defining test requirements based Defines test requirements based on the
on the systems requirements, and verifying systems requirements, and verifies
traceability of requirements from the lowest traceability of requirements from the lowest
to highest level of integration. to highest level of integration.
Develops system test and evaluation Reviews and recommends system test and
scenarios and acceptance criteria for evaluation scenarios and acceptance
operational states, cases, missions, and criteria for operational states, cases,
environmental factors. missions, and environmental factors.
Assists in developing an approach to verify Develops an approach to verify and Influences trade-off decisions which affect
and validate requirements by inspection, validate requirements by inspection, the sponsor/customer, contractor, and other
demonstration, analysis, and testing demonstration, analysis, and testing stakeholders (cost, schedule, test activities
(static, dynamic, usability, and stress (static, dynamic, usability, and stress and fidelity).
tests). tests).
Prepares transition plans for Creates transitional approach and Gains agreement on transitional
delivering systems. supports system deployment. approach and system deployment.
Prepares the system deployment and Recommends a system deployment and Gains agreement for a system deployment
transition plan for fielding the system into transition approach (includes multiple and transition approach (includes multiple
its operational environment (includes locations, end user and operator training, locations, end user and operator training,
multiple locations, end user and operator simultaneous systems operations, etc.). simultaneous systems operations, etc.).
training, simultaneous systems operations,
etc.).
Helps to develop the training plan(s), if Evaluates accuracy and completeness of Recommends the training plan for operators
separate, for operators and users. the training plan for operators and users. and users.
Develops strategies for simultaneous Recommends strategies for simultaneous
systems operations. systems operations.
Identifies support issues from fielding the Identifies significant issues with and Communicates significant issues with and
system (e.g., training, manpower, lessons learned from fielding the system. lessons learned from fielding the system to
performance, procedures, etc.) stakeholders, end users, and operators.
Develops system operations, Evaluates system operations, Recommends system operations,
maintenance, and disposal plans. maintenance, and disposal plans. maintenance, and disposal plans.
Develops system operations and Evaluates systems operations and Recommends system operations and
maintenance plans (e.g., training needs, maintenance approach. maintenance approach.
preventative maintenance, automated test
equipment, help desk, etc.).
Assists with answering questions, Answers questions, resolves anomalies,
resolving anomalies, and reporting and analyzes trends for the system in its
incidents about the system in its operational environment.
operational environment.
Helps to prepare disposal plans. Creates disposal plans and evaluates the Recommends the disposal approach to the
impact of disposal plans on the operational sponsor/customer.
environment.
Supports continuous integration of new Advises about continuous integration of Advocates for the strategic integration of
and existing systems. new and existing systems. new and existing systems.
Collects requirements for system upgrades Manages and analyzes requirements for Prioritizes requirements for system upgrades
and future enhancements. system upgrades and future and future enhancements with the sponsor/
enhancements. customers, key stakeholders, and end users.
Identifies future system modifications and Evaluates future system modifications and Influences decisions about future system
technology insertion in the production technology insertion in the production modifications and technology insertion in the
environment. environment. production environment.
Assists in collecting, organizing and Identifies key features of and develops Collaborates with the sponsor/customer
analyzing sponsor/customer plans for the acquisition program and to establish the acquisition program and
information for the development of the program office. the program office.
acquisition plans.
Demonstrates understanding of the roles Defines the roles and responsibilities of the Guides the sponsor/customer in establishing
and responsibilities of the acquisition acquisition program office to ensure partnerships among stakeholders for the
program office. effective communication and scope. acquisition program office.
Demonstrates understanding of the Identifies the acquisition programs Recommends the scope, operating concept,
acquisition programs boundaries, boundaries, stakeholders, and systems organization, and staffing of the acquisition
stakeholders, and system dependencies. dependencies. program.
Determines gaps in the acquisition Negotiates government, contractor, and
programs resources and skills. FFRDC roles in closing the acquisition
programs resource and skill gaps.
Collaborates with the acquisition program Collaborates with the acquisition program
office to define the acquisition model for office to define the acquisition model for the
the program (e.g., PRIME, Service Level program (e.g., PRIME, Service Level
Agreements, etc.). Agreements, etc.).
Helps to collect, organize, and analyze Develops draft program plans (e.g., Collaborates with the sponsor/customer to
context sensitive information for the Systems Engineering Plan, Program/ resolve significant issues with the acquisition
development of various acquisition plans. Project Plans, Contingency Plans, and plan and or approach.
Master Test and Evaluation Plan) leading
into an acquisition that take into account
the full context of the sponsor/customers
environment (i.e., technical, cost, political
and environmental factors).
Helps the sponsor/customer plan Recommends approaches for planning
contractor milestones and deliverables that contractor milestones and deliverables that
demonstrate value to the funding authority demonstrate value to the funding authority
and end user. and end user.
Maintains and organizes work Prepares configuration management Influences configuration management
products. approaches, processes, and plans. approach.
Maintains current version of internal and Identifies data and configuration Gains agreement from the sponsor/customer
external work products. management information needs, storage regarding configuration management
methods, and security approaches that information needs to increase program
effectively manage the program. organization, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Analyzes data using configuration Recommends configuration management
management and deficiency reporting and deficiency reporting tools that are
tools. appropriate for the project and program.
Proposes a configuration management Gains agreement with the sponsor/customer
approach across programs and projects, on the configuration management approach
including required resources, across programs and projects, including
organizational structure, processes, plans, required resources, organizational structure,
and configuration hierarchy. processes, plans, and configuration
hierarchy.
Analyzes and tracks changes to the Evaluates proposed changes against Facilitates decisions on proposed
baseline. baselines and ensures that approved baseline changes.
changes are implemented.
Assembles work products for inclusion in Validates the technical, cost, and program
the baseline. baselines for the configuration control
activity.
Organizes work products to prepare for Participates in physical configuration audits
physical and functional configuration (product versus specification/drawing/
audits, to produce more efficient audits, source code) and functional configuration
and to maintain the evidence chain. audits (test results versus specification) to
verify the systems to be fielded.
Analyzes appropriateness of proposed Evaluates all proposed baseline changes Gains agreement from the sponsor/customer
technical baseline changes and draft to determine the effects on program on proposed baseline changes for high
Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs). schedule, cost, and work products. impact/priority items.
Performs action item tracking to ensure Reviews and validates that change
change modifications are implemented. proposals are successfully completed.
Supports development and Develops and helps implement an Recommends and helps implement an
implementation of an integrated life integrated life cycle logistics support integrated life cycle logistics support
cycle logistics support approach. approach. strategy.
Participates in environmental impact Reviews environmental impact studies,
studies, logistics analyses and trade logistics analyses, and trade studies to
studies (e.g., reliability, maintainability and identify changes that minimize costs and
availability, supply, packaging, support risks during systems design, maintenance,
equipment, level/source of repair, training, and sustainment.
transportation, and maintainer task/skills).
Recommends an integrated life cycle Recommends an integrated life cycle
logistics support approach for systems, logistics support approach for systems,
equipment, and products across equipment, and products across acquisition
acquisition phases (i.e., how products and phases (i.e., how products and services will
services will be acquired, and how the be acquired, and how the logistics
logistics requirements will be met within requirements will be met within established
established cost, benefit, schedule, and cost, benefit, schedule, and performance
performance baselines). baselines).
Develops inputs for hardware and software Formulates strategy for hardware and Develops consensus with the
logistics in the acquisition strategy, software logistics support for acquiring, sponsor/customer on a performance-based
program plan, and solicitation designing and fielding effective systems. logistics acquisition strategy across the
documentation (e.g., concerning factors acquisition life cycle.
such as Section L&M, specification
requirements and constraints, CDRL
requirements, SOW requirements, and
data rights).
Recommends performance specifications
for the sustainment of fielded systems.
Supports the quality assurance Recommends establishing a quality Guides the establishment and direction
program in the systems acquisition assurance program in the systems of the quality assurance program in the
and/or the Government operational acquisition and/or the Government systems acquisition and/or the
organization. operational organization. Government operational organization.
Proposes a plan to resource, implement Guides the establishment and direction of a
and manage a quality assurance program quality assurance program to enable a
to enable a positive, preventive approach positive, preventive approach to managing
to managing the systems acquisition. the systems acquisition.
Participates in integrated teams to create Participates in integrated teams to create
directives and plans that establish quality directives and plans that establish quality
assurance standards, processes, assurance standards, processes,
procedures, and tools. procedures, and tools.
Identifies continuous process Recommends continuous process Influences the sponsor/customer to prioritize
improvements that enhance processes, improvements that enhance processes, and implement recommendations for
products, and service quality. products, and service quality. continuous process improvements that
enhance processes, products, and service
quality.
Provides information to help develop Collaborates with the sponsor/ Influences the Governments approach
an approach for implementing and customer and develops an approach for implementing and improving
improving systems engineering to implementing and improving systems engineering processes for the
processes for the acquisition systems engineering processes for the acquisition organization.
organization. acquisition organization.
Identifies new and tailors existing systems Selects and tailors a SE process Facilitates the selection of a systems
engineering directives, plans, process improvement model (e.g., SPICE, SEI engineering process improvement
descriptions, procedures, tools, and guides. Ideal, CMMI, Lean Six Sigma, etc.) to framework based on the systems
modify, integrate, test, baseline, deploy, engineering life cycle.
and maintain systems engineering
processes.
Drafts policy briefings to support the Recommends policy and stakeholder
implementation and continuous involvement to implement and continuously
improvement of core and shared systems improve core and shared systems
engineering processes. engineering processes.
Assists in estimating the resources required Develops implementation plans, including Recommends implementation plans,
to continuously improve systems engineering process improvement goals, schedules, including process improvement goals,
processes (e.g., personnel, funding, facilities, and estimated resources, to continuously schedules, and estimated resources, to
etc.). improve systems engineering processes. continuously improve systems engineering
processes.
Identifies the need for and potentially helps Recommends capability maturity
to conduct capability maturity assessments assessments of systems engineering
of systems engineering processes in processes when needed.
Governments acquisition and/or
contractors organizations.
Collaborates with the cost/benefit Defines the scope and products of the Provides direction to the cost/benefit
analyst to define the approach and cost/benefit analysis, and collaborates analyst and collaborates with the
products of the assessment. with the cost/benefit analyst to clarify sponsor/customer concerning the
key parameters. scope, key parameters, products, and
tradeoffs of the analysis.
Defines the scope of the cost/benefit Directs the scoping of the cost/benefit
analysis and collaborates with the analyst analysis, including dependent systems,
to define the key parameters. stakeholders, and system context (i.e.,
system, system of systems, or enterprise).
Defines the technical and programmatic Builds consensus with the sponsor/customer
assumptions of the cost/benefit analysis, on the technical and programmatic
based on the acquisition strategy. assumptions of the analysis, based on the
acquisition strategy.
Collaborates with the cost/benefit analyst Collaborates with the cost/benefit analyst Provides recommendations and gains
to define the products, activities, trade-offs, to define the products, activities, trade-offs, consensus with the sponsor/customer on the
and required assessments for an and required assessments for an decisions regarding the products, activities,
independent, objective analysis. independent, objective analysis. trade-offs, and required assessments to be
included in an independent, objective
analysis.
Collaborates with the human centered Collaborates with the human centered Recommends design and trade-off
engineer (HCE) to support HCE engineer (HCE) during the early decisions during the early acquisition
activities during the early acquisition acquisition phases to define and phases, based on a human-centered
phases. analyze the HCE approach, engineering approach.
requirements, and trade-offs.
Tailors the acquisition program, HCE Builds consensus with the sponsor/customer
approach, and life cycle activities, based and multiple stakeholders on the HCE
on input from the HCE. approach and life cycle activities.
Collaborates with the HCE to describe the Collaborates with the HCE to synthesize Collaborates with the HCE to synthesize
users, their work tasks, the context they information across multiple users information across multiple users concerning
work in, and the socio-cultural factors that concerning the work tasks, work context, the work tasks, work context, and socio-
affect the user interface. and socio-cultural factors that affects the cultural factors that affects the system and/or
system and/or the enterprise. the enterprise.
Works with the HCE to identify disconnects Collaborates with the HCE to analyze Recommends and builds consensus with the
among user desires, system requirements, disconnects and trade-offs among user sponsor/customer on trade-offs involving
and budgetary factors. desires, system requirements, and HCE user requirements, budgetary factors,
budgetary factors to resolve complex and system performance objectives.
systems issues across multiple
stakeholders.
Assists the HCE to organize and document Integrates user input, as defined by the
the HCE system requirements, in order to HCE, into the requirements definition,
provide a historical record, in case HCE design, and evaluation approach to ensure
decisions are questioned during a complete and well-defined human-
development. computer interface.
Identifies the need for human centered Assesses the contractors ability to apply
engineering to avoid disconnects between top-level human centered engineering
the intentions of the user and the design of expertise to design systems that perform
the system. as intended by the user.
Supports the M&S specialist in Collaborates with the M&S specialist Recommends M&S scope, approaches,
creating and validating models. to identify approaches, create and and changes to operational capabilities,
validate models, interpret results, and and facilitates cooperative modeling
participate in cooperative modeling arrangements.
arrangements.
Utilizes input from the specialist to define the Recommends the scope of modeling,
needs and the scope of modeling, simulation simulation and analysis activities within and
and analysis activities across projects and across projects/programs, with input from the
programs. modeling and simulation specialist.
Works with the specialist to demonstrate Works with the specialist to compare the Recommends modeling and simulation
candidate modeling and/or simulation strengths and limitations of modeling and approaches within and across projects,
approaches (e.g., constructive, virtual, and simulation approaches, identify approaches programs, and enterprises, including the
live synthetic environments). that fit the scope, and define the visualization visualization approach.
approach.
Surveys existing data and previous Leverages existing data and previous Influences the sponsor/customer to leverage
modeling efforts to incorporate previous modeling efforts to incorporate previous M&S existing data and previously modeling
M&S capabilities into the current effort. capabilities into the current effort. efforts.
Assists the specialist with collecting data Collaborates with the specialist to develop Guides the formulation of assumptions and
and formulating assumptions to create and assumptions and scenarios, and create and scenarios developed by the specialist to
validate simple simulation models (e.g., validate complex simulation models (e.g., create complex simulation models (e.g.,
operational capabilities, networking, operational capabilities, networking, operational capabilities, networking,
computing resources, and processes). computing resources, and processes). computing resources, and processes).
Collaborates with the specialist to run M&S Collaborates with the specialist to interpret Recommends changes to current and future
scenarios, based on current and future the results of various M&S scenarios, based operational capabilities based on modeling
operational capabilities. on current and future operational capabilities. and simulation results.
Identifies potential integration and Suggests collaboration with other Suggests collaboration with other
interoperability links within and between organizations to establish integration and organizations to establish integration and
modeling and simulation tools and interoperability within and between modeling interoperability within and between modeling
synthetic environments. and simulation tools and synthetic and simulation tools and synthetic
environments. environments.
Participates in networked and federated Leads networked and federated M&S Leads networked and federated M&S
M&S developments (e.g. training exercise developments (e.g. training exercise support developments (e.g. major training exercises
support or simulation war games), with or simulation war games), with assistance or simulation war games), with assistance
assistance from the specialist. from the specialist. from the specialist.
Supports the specialist to identify Collaborates with the specialist to Collaborates with the specialist and the
security engineering approaches and identify security engineering sponsor/customer to identify security
constraints, plan for certification and approaches and constraints, plan for engineering approaches and
accreditation, and assist with security certification and accreditation, and constraints, plan for certification and
related trade-offs. assist with security related trade-offs. accreditation, and determine security
related trade-offs.
Provides information and assistance to the Collaborates with the security engineering Collaborates with the security engineering
security engineering specialist to identify specialist to identify security drivers for the specialist and the sponsor/customer to
security drivers for the Concept of Concept of Operations or business/mission identify security drivers for the Concept of
Operations or business/mission requirements. Operations or business/mission
requirements. requirements, including those that affect the
enterprise (e.g., cross-domain sharing).
Provides baseline system technologies so Collaborates with the specialist to identify Collaborates with the specialist to identify the
that the specialist can identify and address and address security and interoperability baseline enterprise architecture, technology
security and interoperability issues. issues and define a technology investment investment strategy and appropriate security
strategy. architectures.
Works with the specialist to identify Collaborates with the specialist to detail Collaborates with the specialist and the
operational constraints that affect security how operational and business constraints sponsor/customer to determine how
technologies. affect security technologies. enterprise-level operational and business
constraints (e.g., net-centricity) affect
security technologies.
Works with the program office to identify Identifies organizational stakeholders, in Influences enterprise stakeholders (e.g.,
the applicable regulatory environment. particular the end user(s), in order to Chief Technology Officer), to make decisions
identify the Designated Approving that affect the enterprise regulatory
Authority(ies). environment and technology investment
strategy.
Works with the specialist to integrate Works with the specialist to analyze and Works with the specialist to integrate security
security requirements into the overall integrate security tradeoffs with system architecture issues and requirements into the
requirements. tradeoffs (e.g., security interoperability and enterprise architecture.
system performance).
Supports the specialist to identify changes Collaborates with the specialist to identify Collaborates with the specialist and the
in security drivers and baseline system changes in security drivers and the sponsor/customer to make security-related
technologies for evolving and/or technology investment strategy for adjustments to the enterprise architecture for
operational systems, so that security evolving and/or operational systems, so evolving and/or operational systems.
implications can be assessed. that security implications can be assessed.
Supports the RMA specialist with Collaborates with the RMA specialist Collaborates with RMA specialist and
necessary data and information to to identify approaches, interpret model the sponsor/customer to identify
identify approaches and build RMA results, suggest design changes, and approaches, interpret model results, and
models. prioritize corrective actions. determine design changes and
prioritized corrective actions.
Assists the specialist in gathering data to Collaborates with the specialist to define Influences the sponsor/customer to adjust
define RMA requirements in the context of the RMA requirements in relation to the RMA requirements related to the users
the overall systems requirements. users mission and needs, system mission and needs, system sustainability,
sustainability, and logistical support. and logistical support.
Provides data and verifies assumptions, Collaborates with the specialist to interpret
based on an understanding of the program results from the RMA predictions,
and RMA requirements, so that the modeling, and analyses, and identifies
specialist can build the RMA models. system design change alternatives based
on the results.
Works with the specialist to communicate Recommends system design change
system design changes to the design alternatives to the sponsor customer and the
team, based on the results of RMA system design team, based on the results of
modeling predictions and analyses. the RMA modeling predictions and analyses.
Works with the specialist to develop an Interacts with the specialist, contractor and Recommends alternatives for major program
understanding of how RMA requirements operational test agency to ensure that the decisions that could change the mission
are tested and evaluated within the RMA test requirements are addressed, and concept, based upon interpretation of RMA
program. test results accurately represent the RMA analyses.
characteristics of the system.
Works with the specialist to identify Works with the specialist to prioritize Recommends corrective actions that
corrective actions that improve system corrective actions that improve RMA, given improve RMA, given programmatic
RMA. cost and schedule constraints. constraints and alignment with
business/mission objectives.
Recommends Performance Based Recommends Performance Based Logistics
Logistics approaches to the approaches to the sponsor/customer to
sponsor/customer to improve RMA improve RMA performance of operational
performance of operational systems. systems.
Works with the specialist to support Collaborates with the specialist to Recommends and gains consensus on
safety engineering activities and identify safety engineering approaches safety engineering approaches, design
safety-related analyses. and activities, and conduct safety- trade-offs, and solutions.
related analyses and design trade-offs.
Collaborates with the safety specialist to Recommends safety engineering
define safety engineering approaches and approaches and activities, including
activities throughout the acquisition cycle. experiments and prototypes, to demonstrate
emerging techniques and solutions.
Works with the specialist to identify safety- Works with the specialist to identify safety- Gains consensus from stakeholders on
related impacts on the target operational related impacts on the target operational safety-related impacts and their priority.
environment, by assessing current environment, by assessing current
systems, procedures, policies, regulations, systems, procedures, policies, regulations,
processes, etc. processes, etc.
Works with the specialist to identify safety Works with the specialist to identify safety Builds consensus with the sponsor/customer
factors and translate them into testable factors and translate them into testable on important safety issues, which need
safety requirements, based on the safety requirements, based on the significant study.
operational system. operational system.
Assists the specialist with data collection Collaborates with the specialist to define
and modeling techniques to perform safety data collection and modeling requirements
analyses. for complex safety analyses.
Reviews safety analyses performed by the Communicates the results of the safety
specialist to ensure that safety-related analyses to the sponsor/customer in clear
issues are identified and resolved. and meaningful terms.
Supports the specialist performing Collaborates with the specialist to review Communicates to all stakeholders about
sensitivity analyses by providing safety and sensitivity analyses, and to complex safety-related requirements, system
acceptable system ranges for analysis, develop recommendations about safety- or configuration changes, cost and risk
and by determining associated costs and related requirements, system or implications, and safety recommendations.
risks. configuration changes, and associated
costs and risks.
Supports the specialist in performing Collaborates with the specialist to develop Influences the customer/sponsor, contractor,
design trade-offs for system safety recommendations about design trade-offs and other stakeholders to select and
solutions that are cost effective and for system safety solutions that are cost implement effective system and enterprise-
operationally responsive. effective and operationally responsive. level safety solutions.
Works with software engineers to Collaborates with software engineers Facilitates interaction among the
analyze interrelationships among end- to understand end-user needs, define sponsor/customer, end-users, and
user, software, and system software performance measures, software engineers to determine system
requirements. capture software requirements, and expectations, problems, and potential
prioritize risks. solutions.
Collaborates with specialist to define and Collaborates with specialist to define and Recommends software engineering
incorporate software engineering tasks and incorporate software engineering tasks and approaches and activities for demonstrating
procedures into the acquisition cycle. procedures into the acquisition cycle. the success of emerging software
engineering techniques and solutions, such
as experiments and prototypes.
Collaborates with specialist to ensure that Collaborates with specialist to ensure that Reports to the sponsor/customer on key
software requirements are complete and system requirements form a foundation for software and system requirements issues.
validated. detailed software requirements.
Assists specialist in understanding how the Assists specialist in understanding how the Facilitates interaction among
software implementation will affect end- software will affect end-users information sponsor/customer, end-users and specialist
users information needs and performance. needs and performance. about system/software expectations and
performance.
Collaborates with specialist to define Collaborates with specialist to define Facilitates discussions with the
software performance by explaining software performance that lead to systems sponsor/customer and the specialist about
operational and functional requirements. performance. performance, functionality, and schedule
trade-offs.
Collaborates with specialist and end-users Collaborates with specialist to validate that
to identify data dependencies, all top-level functionality, information flows,
interoperability needs, information flow, interoperability requirements, and end-user
and operational/business processes to be needs are properly captured in the system
included in the software requirements. architecture.
Collaborates with specialist to identify and Collaborates with specialist to identify and Reports software implementation and
prioritize software and system risks that prioritize software and system risks that performance problems to the
may affect the schedule, quality, and may affect the schedule, quality, and sponsor/customer, and recommends
capability. capability. mitigation strategies to alleviate software and
system risks.
VERSION 1.13E September 1, 2007
MITRE Systems Engineering Competency Model 60
Competency: 4.7 Software and Information Engineering
Foundational Behaviors Intermediate Behaviors Expert Behaviors
Collaborates with the software/ Collaborates with the software/ Gains consensus with the
information engineer to examine and information engineer to create an sponsor/customer on an information-
test new information-centric information-centric view of the centric view of the enterprise.
approaches and techniques. enterprise.
Assists the specialist with experiments in Collaborates with the specialist to apply Recommends information/data engineering
information/data engineering approaches, the principles of evolving information/data approaches for the project or program (e.g.,
so they can be applied to the project or engineering to the project or program (e.g., net centric paradigm, service oriented
program (e.g., net centric paradigm, net centric paradigm, service oriented architecture, etc.).
service oriented architecture, etc.). architecture, etc.).
Works with the specialist to create an Proposes to the sponsor/customer an
information/data centric view of the information/data centric view of the
enterprise (i.e., provides proper and enterprise (i.e., provides proper and accurate
accurate information to the decision information to the decision makers at the
makers at the right time). right time).
Collaborates with the specialist on an Builds consensus with the sponsor/customer
approach to information/ data sharing, on an approach to information/data sharing,
timing and accuracy, including ways to timing and accuracy, including ways to
reduce cultural and organizational barriers reduce cultural and organizational barriers to
to sharing information. sharing information.
Collaborates with the specialist to discover Collaborates with the specialist to discover Recommends to the sponsor/customer ways
ways to apply tools, standards, and ways to apply tools, standards, and to apply tools, standards, and techniques to
techniques to manage and share data in techniques to manage and share data in manage and share data in projects and
projects and programs. projects and programs. programs.
Supports the specialist to ensure that the Verifies that the collection, migration,
collection, migration, aggregation, and aggregation, and manipulation of legacy
manipulation of legacy data conforms to data conforms to new business practices
new business practices and/or the and/or the operational domain.
operational domain.
Collaborates with software engineers Collaborates with the software Communicates risks and mitigation
on software testing and reliability. engineer to identify critical areas for strategies to the sponsor/customer
software testing and the interpretation based on software testing and/or
of software reliability model results. software reliability model results.
Collaborates with the specialist to validate Collaborates with the specialist to identify
the completeness and accuracy of the critical software testing areas that affect
software test plan in relation to system test overall system operation and performance.
requirements.
Provides input to software and/or system Collaborates with the specialist to interpret
reliability models by gathering results from software and/or system
appropriately configured data from the reliability models.
specialist.
Collaborates with the specialist and the Collaborates with the specialist and the Reports to the sponsor/customer on
contractor to complete software and contractor to interpret and prioritize the significant software related problems that
closely related system tests. results of software and closely related might preclude the sponsor from meeting
system tests. business or mission needs.
Collaborates with the specialist and the Collaborates with the specialist to develop Builds consensus between the
contractor to re-test the software. mitigation strategies to correct the system sponsor/customer and the contractor on
so that it meets requirements, and to re- mitigation approaches to significant
test for software. problems, and ensures that they are
corrected and re-tested.
Works with the networking and Collaborates with the specialist to Interacts with the specialist to facilitate
communications specialists to identify tasks and de-conflict trade- task completion, and makes
accomplish tasks. offs between the networking and recommendations to the
communications function and other sponsor/customer on network and
system functions. communication issues.
Works with the specialist to collect and Works with the specialist to understand Works with the sponsor/customer and the
understand information about the network, data, and component specialist to agree upon network operations
receiving, processing, and moving of data, management within the networking and approaches for the system.
based on networking and communications communications requirements.
requirements.
Works with the specialist to collect and Collaborates with the specialist to explore Recommends project adjustments to the
understand information on how system how system complexity affects networking sponsor/customer to address the impacts of
complexity affects networking and and communications systems, especially in system complexity on networking and
communications systems, especially in cost and performance. communications systems.
cost and performance.
Assists in translating needs into a set of Collaborates with the specialist to define Collaborates with the sponsor/customer and
requirements for network and end-to-end networking and the specialist to finalize end-to-end
communications systems performance. communications requirements, both requirements that address the threat
vertically (i.e., OSI stack) and horizontally environment, vertical networking and
(i.e., across multiple disciplines and communication requirements (i.e., OSI
programs). stack), and horizontally networking and
communications requirements (i.e., across
multiple disciplines and programs).
Works with the specialist to collect and Collaborates with the specialist to define
understand information about key key constraints and performance
constraints and performance parameters, parameters, and to assess system
and the impact of availability, real time availability, real time performance,
performance, performance under performance under environmental
environmental constraints (e.g., threat), constraints (e.g., threat), and sustainment.
and sustainment.
Collects information on network Works with the specialist to identify Recommends to the sponsor/customer
architecture and technology changes. network architecture solutions independent network architecture solutions independent
of a specific vendor. of a specific vendor.
Assists senior staff in identifying Determines, with help from the Obtains support and resources from the
need, scope, and resources for studies specialist, the need, scope, and cost of sponsor/customer for studies and
and engineering efforts requiring studies and engineering efforts engineering efforts requiring specialized
specialized expertise. requiring specialized expertise. expertise.
Strives to understand systems engineering Strives to understand systems engineering Strives to understand systems engineering
practices and technical domains to practices and technical domains to practices and technical domains to facilitate
facilitate effective working relationships facilitate effective working relationships effective working relationships with various
with various technical specialists. with various technical specialists. technical specialists.
Assists senior staff in identifying problems Identifies problems and disconnects in a Reports to sponsor/customers on problems
and disconnects in a project or program project or program that may require study and disconnects in a project or program that
that may require study or engineering or additional engineering effort. may require study or additional engineering
effort. effort.
Works with senior staff to define the scope Defines the scope and assumptions of the Gains agreement with the sponsor/customer
and assumptions of the study or additional study or additional engineering effort with about the scope and assumptions of the
engineering effort. advice from the specialists. study or additional engineering effort.
Surveys work inside MITRE that may help Surveys and leverages work inside and Assists in making connections to work inside
resolve the identified problems and outside MITRE that may help resolve the and outside MITRE that may help resolve
disconnects. identified problems and disconnects. the identified problems and disconnects.
Assists senior staff in estimating the Estimates the human, technical, cost, and Obtains resources and funding from the
human, technical, cost, and other other resources for the study or additional sponsor/customer for the study or additional
resources for the study or additional engineering effort, with the help of the engineering effort.
engineering effort. specialist.
Collaborates with specialists during Selects specialists, provides technical Recommends appropriate specialists,
the study or engineering effort and and programmatic insights, and communicates pertinent information to
assists in incorporating the results of analyzes the results of studies or the sponsor/customer, and helps to
the study into general project/program engineering efforts. build consensus among key
documentation. stakeholders.
Selects appropriate specialists for the Recommends appropriate specialists for the
study or engineering effort. study or engineering effort to the
sponsor/customer, and works with MITRE
managers to make appropriate human and
other resources available.
Ensures that specialists and other project Directs the study or engineering effort.
team members have input to the design of
the study or engineering effort.
Ensures that the specialist understands the Ensures that the specialist understands the
terminology, approaches, parameters, and terminology, approaches, parameters, and
constraints of the project/program. constraints of the project/program.
Works with the specialist to document the Assesses the results of the study or Communicates the results of the study or
results of the study or engineering effort in engineering effort to determine the impact engineering effort to the sponsor/customer.
relation to project or program on the project or program.
requirements.
Documents actions, based on the work of Proposes actions and approaches, based Builds consensus with the sponsor/customer
the specialists, which mitigate problems on on the work of the specialists, which on actions and approaches, which mitigate
the project or program. mitigate problems on the project or problems on the project or program.
programs.
Collaborates with the specialist and the Collaborates with the specialists and the Reports to the sponsor/customer on
contractor to complete tests related to the contractor to interpret the specialty test significant specialty related problems that
specialty. results, and prioritize the problems along might preclude them from meeting business
with the other system problems. or mission needs.
Collaborates with the specialist and the Collaborates with the specialist to develop Builds consensus between the
contractor to re-test the system in failed mitigation strategies to correct the system, sponsor/customer and key stakeholders on
specialty areas. so that it meets requirements, and to re- mitigation approaches to specialty area
test the failed specialty areas. problems, and ensures that they are
corrected and re-tested.
Ensures that words and actions are Ensures that words and actions are Ensures that words and actions are
consistent. consistent. consistent.
Behaves consistently across situations. Behaves consistently across situations. Behaves consistently across situations.
Keeps commitments around agreed upon Keeps commitments around agreed upon Keeps commitments around agreed upon
actions. actions. actions.
Demonstrates honesty. Demonstrates honesty. Demonstrates honesty.
Deals with people in an honest and Deals with people in an honest and Deals with people in an honest and
forthright manner. forthright manner. forthright manner.
Represents information and data accurately Represents information and data accurately Represents information and data
and completely. and completely. accurately and completely.
Focuses on facts rather than relying on own Focuses on facts rather than relying on own Focuses on facts rather than relying on
preferences or self-interest. preferences or self-interest. own preferences or self-interest.
Supports and gives credit to deserving Supports and gives credit to deserving Supports and gives credit to deserving
associates. associates. associates.
Actively pursues recognition and rewards Actively pursues recognition and rewards Actively pursues recognition and rewards
for strong performers. for strong performers. for strong performers.
Defends employees and colleagues, even Defends employees and colleagues, even Defends employees and colleagues, even
in the face of challenge and mistakes. in the face of challenge and mistakes. in the face of challenge and mistakes.
Displays openness. Displays openness. Displays openness.
Demonstrates openness in dealing with Demonstrates openness in dealing with Demonstrates openness in dealing with
others. others. others.
Shares personal agenda regarding issue at Shares personal agenda regarding issue at Shares personal agenda regarding issue at
hand. hand. hand.
Admits mistakes. Admits mistakes. Admits mistakes.
Models commitment.
Adheres to the teams expectations and
guidelines.
Fulfills team responsibilities.
Demonstrates personal commitment to the
team.
Checks for understanding of others Checks for understanding of others Checks for understanding of others
organizational needs, constraints, and organizational needs, constraints, and organizational needs, constraints, and
requirements. requirements. requirements.
Identifies the impact of the change on Identifies the impact of the change on Identifies the impact of the change on
individuals, structures and processes. individuals, structures and processes. individuals, structures and processes.
Identifies potential resistance to the change Identifies potential resistance to the change Identifies potential resistance to the change
and how to overcome it. and how to overcome it. and how to overcome it.
Plans the implementation. Manages the planning and Manages the planning and
implementation. implementation.
Develops action plans to communicate and Creates or delegates the development of Creates or delegates the development of
implement the changes decided by higher action plans to communicate and action plans to communicate and
level management (e.g., how to inform and implement the change (e.g., how to inform implement the change (e.g., how to inform
prepare individuals to carry out the change, and prepare individuals to carry out the and prepare individuals to carry out the
what resources and support are needed, change, what resources and support are change, what resources and support are
etc.). needed, etc.). needed, etc.).
Obtains necessary resources and support; Obtains necessary resources and support;
adjusts structures, systems, processes or adjusts structures, systems, processes or
procedures to support the change (e.g., procedures to support the change (e.g.,
roles and responsibilities, individual goals, roles and responsibilities, individual goals,
organization structures, work procedures, organization structures, work procedures,
etc.). etc.).
Actively coaches those who implement the Actively coaches those who implement the
change to assure success. change to assure success.
Regularly repeats the key messages of the Regularly repeats the key messages of the Regularly repeats the key messages of the
change; anticipates and addresses change; anticipates and addresses change; anticipates and addresses
concerns. concerns. concerns.
Provides timely and accurate information to Provides timely and accurate information to Provides timely and accurate information to
affected parties about the plan, changes to affected parties about the plan, changes to affected parties about the plan, changes to
the plan, and progress made. the plan, and progress made. the plan, and progress made.
Sets standards for excellence. Sets standards for excellence. Sets standards for excellence.
Establishes criteria and/or work procedures Establishes criteria and/or work procedures Establishes criteria and/or work
to achieve a high level of quality, to achieve a high level of quality, procedures to achieve a high level of
productivity, or service. productivity, or service. quality, productivity, or service.
Ensures high quality. Ensures high quality. Ensures high quality.
Dedicates appropriate time and energy to Dedicates appropriate time and energy to Dedicates appropriate time and energy to
assignments or tasks to ensure that no assignments or tasks to ensure that no assignments or tasks to ensure that no
aspect of the work is neglected aspect of the work is neglected aspect of the work is neglected
Works to overcome obstacles to completing Works to overcome obstacles to completing Works to overcome obstacles to
tasks or assignments. tasks or assignments. completing tasks or assignments.
Maintains appropriate quality oversight for Maintains appropriate quality oversight for Maintains appropriate quality oversight for
the work of individuals who one supervises the work of individuals who one supervises the work of individuals who one supervises
or leads in a team environment. or leads in a team environment. or leads in a team environment.
Accepts responsibility and Accepts responsibility and Accepts responsibility and
accountability. accountability. accountability.
Accepts responsibility for outcomes Accepts responsibility for outcomes (positive Accepts responsibility for outcomes
(positive or negative) of ones work. or negative) of ones work. (positive or negative) of ones work.
Admits mistakes and refocuses efforts Admits mistakes and refocuses efforts when Admits mistakes and refocuses efforts
when appropriate. appropriate. when appropriate.
Demonstrates accountability for the work of Demonstrates accountability for the work of Demonstrates accountability for the work
individuals who one supervises or leads in individuals who one supervises or leads in a of individuals who one supervises or leads
a team environment. team environment. in a team environment.
Encourages others to take Encourages others to take Encourages others to take
responsibility. responsibility. responsibility.
Provides encouragement and support to Provides encouragement and support to Provides encouragement and support to
others in accepting responsibility. others in accepting responsibility. others in accepting responsibility.
Does not accept others denial of Does not accept others denial of Does not accept others denial of
responsibility without questioning. responsibility without questioning. responsibility without questioning.
Represents information and data accurately Represents information and data accurately Represents information and data
and completely. and completely. accurately and completely.