Chief Space Vehicle Systems Engineer

SAIC•El Segundo, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Chief Space Vehicle Systems Engineer to support a U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command space vehicle program. The role is embedded with the Government at customer facilities in El Segundo, California, and provides subject matter expertise in space systems engineering and space vehicle development. As a technical representative supporting the Government program manager and chief engineer, you will help shape and deliver space capabilities. The position focuses on program planning, risk mitigation, technical oversight, and reviews, while applying streamlined acquisition frameworks to support successful execution of space vehicle programs.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and at least 18 years of experience, or a master's degree and at least 16 years of experience.
Experience with space vehicle or space payload development, integration, and/or operations for the Department of War or another agency such as NRO, NSA, or NASA.
Experience leading space vehicle teams focused on integrating complex space and/or ground systems.
Experience applying systems engineering principles to space vehicle and/or payload development, build, and integration and test.
Experience with space vehicle subsystem development and requirements, such as power, guidance, command and control, or structures.
Experience in overall space vehicle development, integration, test, and delivery.
Understanding of risk management processes.
Good communication skills with peers and customer leadership.
An in-scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrollment in the Continuous Evaluation program, if applicable.
Willingness to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartment Information and Special Access Programs and to consent to a polygraph examination.

Nice To Haves

20 or more years of experience with space vehicle development and delivery.
Experience integrating and testing payloads on spacecraft.
Familiarity with Department of War acquisition processes.
Experience as a project or program manager on a space vehicle or spacecraft bus program/project.
Familiarity with ground systems and space vehicle operations.
Experience with launch systems integration.
Subject matter expertise in one or more key space vehicle subsystems.
Experience developing and executing risk and opportunities registers.
Experience with integrated master schedules for program execution and management.

Responsibilities

Support the Government program manager and chief engineer as a key technical representative for a major space system acquisition.
Engage with space vehicle contractors to evaluate hardware and software designs against Government-generated requirements.
Lead technical requirements analysis and development and systems engineering; oversee contractors as they develop, design, produce, integrate, and test space systems.
Oversee payload integration and test.
Develop system requirements and interface definitions.
Analyze space vehicle designs and recommend actions to ensure contractors meet technical and performance requirements.
Work with the Government customer to manage and negotiate interface control documents with external stakeholders and ensure internal and external interfaces are met.
Contribute to system-of-systems integration of space vehicle designs with the broader space systems architecture, ground segment, operations, and on-orbit test.
Assess execution schedules and life-cycle costs and provide recommendations.
Partner with the Government chief engineer to oversee and review requirements verification and validation.
Assess contractor risk management and provide actionable recommendations to the chief engineer and program manager.
Collaborate independently with Government program office representatives, FFRDC, SETA, and contractor personnel.