Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Aerospace Systems Engineer

SAIC•Chantilly, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Aerospace Systems Engineer to support innovative space programs in Chantilly, Virginia. The role is a subject matter expert position focused on advanced multi-phenomenology observational technologies, including electro-optical (EO) and/or passive radio frequency (RF) sensing, observational astronomy, and telescope or receiver design to detect, track, and characterize faint objects and signals in the cislunar regime. The engineer supports the development and acquisition of satellite and ground-system capabilities, applying systems engineering throughout the program lifecycle. The role involves evaluating requirements, designs, deliverables, vendor proposals, and system readiness; coordinating with government, military, civilian, and industry partners; and communicating technical findings to audiences that include senior decision makers. The position is onsite in Chantilly, Virginia, requires an active TS/SCI clearance, and includes travel approximately 10% of the time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 18 or more years of experience; or a master’s degree and 16 or more years of experience; or a PhD or JD and 15 or more years of experience.
TS/SCI clearance required.
Experience with satellite ground systems, particularly 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 DOD personnel, military and civilian personnel, and industry partners.
Ability to facilitate technical discussions with subject matter experts.
Ability to communicate with diverse audiences of 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 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 engineering milestones including SRR, PDR, and CDR.
DAWIA or PMI program management experience.
Expertise in electro-optical and/or passive RF sensing, observational astronomy, and telescope or receiver design.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of system-level requirements and the design features that satisfy them.
Support full-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 detail.
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 acquisition documentation related to ground systems, including CDRLs, SOWs, and MPPs.
Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground-system readiness.
Resolve 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 into EO/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.