Ground Architecture Engineer

SAIC • Chantilly, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Ground Architecture Engineer to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support to an SAIC prime program at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, Virginia. The role focuses on planning, acquiring, and implementing mission ground architecture capabilities for next-generation space systems. The engineer will collaborate with government stakeholders, contractors, and mission partners to align ground systems and services with NRO mission needs, technical requirements, and program objectives in a complex, multi-organization environment.

The position supports enterprise ground architecture planning and development, translates capability needs into requirements and acquisition inputs, and assists government-led activities throughout the acquisition and implementation lifecycle. It also involves reviewing contractor deliverables, coordinating technical issue resolution, and preparing briefings and documentation for stakeholders and leadership.

Work is primarily performed onsite in an office, classified facility, and/or operations center. Domestic and international travel may be required up to 25% of the time. The target salary range is $160,001–$200,000, depending on experience and other factors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline and 9+ years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree and 7+ years of relevant experience; or a PhD/JD and 4+ years of relevant experience.
• In lieu of a degree, an additional 4 years of directly related systems engineering or mission ground architecture experience may be considered.
• Experience with NRO satellite systems and/or National Security Space programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mission ground architecture, system integration, and capability development processes, such as requirements analysis, design, and verification/validation.
• Experience supporting acquisition, implementation, and technical coordination activities in a government or SETA environment.
• Ability to maintain requirements traceability and alignment between mission needs, technical baselines, and delivered solutions.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time.
• Current and active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• Ability to maintain eligibility for access to NRO and other customer facilities and systems as required.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while using a computer and participating in meetings.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to travel via commercial or military transportation, including walking through airports and climbing stairs, as required.

Nice To Haves

• Prior SETA or FFRDC experience supporting the NRO or other Intelligence Community space programs.
• Experience with enterprise ground systems, mission management, data processing, and/or ground system modernization initiatives.
• Familiarity with systems engineering frameworks such as INCOSE processes, requirements management tools, and model-based systems engineering concepts.
• Experience reviewing and assessing CDRLs, technical proposals, and contractor deliverables for compliance and technical rigor.
• Background in architecting or assessing end-to-end space-to-ground mission solutions, including interfaces and interoperability across multiple organizations.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, development, and enhancement of mission ground architecture capabilities across the enterprise, including system integration and capability improvements.
• Coordinate with government stakeholders, contractors, and mission partners to align technical efforts with operational needs, program priorities, and enterprise-level ground strategies.
• Translate capability needs into actionable requirements, acquisition inputs, technical baselines, and implementation plans, maintaining requirements traceability throughout the lifecycle.
• Support government-led activities from concept development through contracting, acquisition, design reviews, milestone reviews, and execution.
• Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables for content, accuracy, and sufficiency.
• Monitor contractor activities and coordinate the identification and resolution of technical issues, gaps, risks, and dependencies affecting ground system implementation.
• Develop and deliver briefings, technical summaries, acquisition documentation, and leadership updates related to ground capability initiatives and enterprise ground architecture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior