As agencies look ahead to FY26, systems engineering is evolving rapidly. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital engineering, and zero-trust cybersecurity are no longer optional; they are becoming central to mission execution and sustainment. At Thompson Gray, our systems engineers are embedded with agencies navigating this shift every day, ensuring new capabilities are integrated securely, efficiently, and with mission continuity in mind.

We asked Thompson Gray (TG) experts to share their perspectives on the technologies and trends shaping the future of systems engineering. Their responses highlight not just what’s coming next, but how those changes are already influencing the way government agencies think, build, and operate.

1. Technology Outlook

Federal agencies are reaching a tipping point where emerging technologies are no longer isolated pilots or prototypes, but essential building blocks of future-ready systems. Tools like AI, automation, and cloud-native solutions are already reshaping how engineers design and deliver capabilities. At the same time, newer entrants like generative AI and zero-trust frameworks are accelerating change across every layer of the enterprise.

Among our engineers, there’s growing recognition that large language models (LLMs) and generative AI are beginning to augment core workflows, such as documentation and research. “Generative AI and large language models are already helping systems engineers accelerate documentation and research,” said Systems Engineer Kyle Newman. “While these tools won’t replace experts, they are empowering professionals to work faster and smarter.”

Matthew Spradlin, another TG Systems Engineer, added, “From my perspective, the emerging technologies with the biggest impact will be artificial intelligence, digital engineering, and advanced cybersecurity strategies. These technologies are moving beyond the experimental phase and becoming institutionalized.”

Others noted how these technologies are intersecting with broader digital transformation efforts. Tools like robotic process automation and intelligent document processing are increasingly used to streamline backend tasks such as procurement and funding transactions. Meanwhile, cloud-based platforms have reached a level of maturity that makes them not just viable, but preferable, for secure and agile deployment.

Still, our engineers remain measured in their outlook. The real value of these tools comes when professionals understand their limitations and apply them within the context of mission goals, security requirements, and user needs.

2. Mission Impacts

The adoption of emerging technologies isn’t just about improving IT infrastructure; it’s about strengthening readiness and sustainment. AI-powered analytics, for example, are helping agencies forecast equipment maintenance needs, reducing downtime and extending the life of critical platforms. These capabilities are shifting the sustainment model from reactive to proactive.

In engineering-intensive programs, digital twins and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) are becoming essential for simulating, monitoring, and optimizing complex systems in real time. This allows agencies to reduce risks, cut costs, and accelerate timelines while preserving mission alignment.

“The use of Digital Twins is becoming common for complex platforms,” said Spradlin. “They allow agencies to monitor, simulate, and optimize systems in real time, improving both mission execution and long-term sustainment.”

Training environments are also evolving. Agencies are beginning to explore immersive solutions like AR and VR to reduce costs and deliver more adaptive instruction. Our engineers have observed increasing interest in how these tools can serve as first-line support or augment existing workforce training without introducing new overhead.

New AI-enabled platforms, including internal tools like the Army’s Chat AI engine and mission-secure models such as AskSage and CamoGPT, are streamlining tasks like research and technical writing. “Professionals with domain knowledge are able to prompt these tools to write the first draft of documentation,” noted Newman. “Once created, the professional can proofread, revise, and finalize the product far more efficiently.”

3. Engineering Approach

As the pace of technology accelerates, Thompson Gray is actively evolving its approach to systems engineering. This means hiring professionals who not only understand traditional systems thinking but are also fluent in digital engineering, data analytics, and modern cybersecurity principles.

The team emphasizes continuous learning and a readiness to re-evaluate tools, platforms, and processes. AI and ML, DevSecOps, cloud architectures, and MBSE are no longer niche skills; they are fast becoming table stakes for engineers working in defense environments.

“TG is ensuring that candidates for systems engineering and related positions have experience or education in these new and developing technologies as needed to support our customers,” said Spradlin.

We view our role as part technologist, part translator. Our job is not just to build systems, but to ensure those systems are operationally viable, policy-compliant, and secure. That mindset is what positions Thompson Gray as a reliable partner across all phases of the systems lifecycle.

4. Customer Readiness

While some technologies are moving fast, policy and acquisition frameworks are often slower to adapt. Within many agencies, standards for MBSE are more mature than those for AI integration, making the former easier to implement.

That gap between capability and policy presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Our engineers are working to bridge it, ensuring that innovations are responsibly integrated and aligned with existing mandates. This includes evaluating whether a new solution is mature enough to be fielded, whether it aligns with Army requirements, and how to scale it without compromising security or mission continuity.

Adoption readiness varies widely by technology. “The adoption challenges will be different for each technology,” said Newman. “The risk of failure in a documentation-generating LLM is different than an AR training solution, which is different than an autonomous robot in theater. Agencies need to evaluate each technology holistically.”

Crucially, we support agencies in preparing for rapid acquisition when emerging tools reach maturity. As Newman noted, “Readiness is not a predefined linear progression. It can be exponential. Organizations must set themselves up for rapid adoption as soon as these technologies become viable.”

5. Looking Ahead

When asked what systems engineering capabilities need to grow most in the near term, our engineers pointed to two key areas: the responsible use of AI, and the expansion of security engineering.

“For me personally, it would be the continued understanding and use of AI and its associated tools,” said Spradlin. “We now have access to AI engines within the Army, and that capability is expanding every day. A systems engineer needs to understand both their capabilities and limitations.”

Newman emphasized the need to invest in cybersecurity alongside innovation. “As organizations add capabilities, the attack surface and the potential threat vectors grow even faster. Security engineering has to grow to match that pace.”

Despite the complexity, the outlook remains optimistic. Emerging tools are giving individual engineers greater scope and impact than ever before. As Spradlin put it, “We’re entering an era where one engineer can do more, faster, and with greater reach, which makes the work more engaging and the mission more achievable.”

At Thompson Gray, systems engineering is about more than managing requirements. It’s about anticipating what’s next, enabling secure adoption, and strengthening the systems that power defense operations.

Interested in learning more about how our systems engineers are supporting mission success? Get in touch with our team to start the conversation.