Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Aerospace Systems Engineer

SAIC•Chantilly, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a self-directed Aerospace Systems Engineer to support innovative space programs focused on Cislunar Space Domain Awareness in Chantilly, Virginia. The role is a subject matter expert position with an emphasis on advanced multi-phenomenology observational technologies, including electro-optical (EO) and/or passive radio-frequency (RF) sensing, observational astronomy, and telescope or receiver design. The work supports detection, tracking, and characterization of faint objects and signals in the cislunar regime. The engineer will support satellite and ground-system development in a fast-paced acquisition environment, working with Government and industry partners and helping deliver capability on aggressive schedules. The position requires applying systems-engineering expertise across requirements, design, reviews, acquisition documentation, sensor architectures, and integration of ground- and space-based systems into existing sensing networks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 18 years of experience, master’s degree and at least 16 years of experience, or PhD/JD and at least 15 years of experience.
Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance required.
Experience with satellite ground systems, specifically mission management and command and control.
Experience providing systems-engineering support and technical guidance in the acquisition, development, and deployment of satellite ground systems.
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in a Government/contractor team environment.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment and interact effectively with Department of Defense personnel, military and civilian personnel, and industry partners.
Ability to facilitate technical discussions with subject matter experts.
Ability to communicate with senior decision-makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
Effective communication, coordination, and customer-engagement skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment with no supervision.

Nice To Haves

Previous Special Access Program (SAP) experience.
Experience as a USAF/USSF acquisition officer (AFSC 63A) or developmental engineer (AFSC 62E) leading satellite programs in USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA.
Experience applying systems engineering disciplines such as requirements development, architecture, and systems-engineering milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR), and/or DAWIA/PMI program management.
Expertise in EO and/or passive RF sensing, observational astronomy, and telescope or receiver design.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of system-level requirements for assigned systems and the design features that satisfy them.
Support lifecycle engineering reviews to demonstrate that designs meet specifications and customer requirements.
Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables for content, technical accuracy, and sufficiency of design details.
Participate in technical interchange meetings between developers and contractors.
Evaluate vendor proposals and review technical reports, design artifacts, and program plans.
Serve as a systems-engineering liaison to other divisions in the SPO.
Conduct trade studies to define and refine requirements for future satellite capabilities.
Support development of ground-system acquisition documentation, including CDRLs, statements of work (SOWs), and MPPs.
Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground-system readiness.
Resolve highly complex, multidimensional problems involving variables that affect multiple aspects of a project or program.
Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status, and brief Government and industry audiences as required.
Provide technical insight for EO and RF sensor designs.
Evaluate proposals for next-generation optical and RF sensor architectures.
Support integration of ground- and space-based sensor systems into existing sensing networks.