Ground Project Manager

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) • Chantilly, VA

45d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled engineer to join the Discovery Systems Program Office (DSPO) as an Enterprise Ground Integration Engineer. This position is responsible for providing technical and programmatic support regarding enterprise ground integration engineering related to the next generation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) SIGINT satellite systems. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the development and deployment of innovative systems that enhance global situational awareness and national security missions.

The NRO SIGINT Directorate is preparing for significant advancements in the collection, prosecution, and exploitation of SIGINT via a new generation of overhead collectors that will commence deployment no later than 2029. These new satellites will ultimately replace the current architecture. The NRO completed the new architecture’s Milestone-A in the summer of 2024, which serves as the basis for the next generation of SIGINT that will expand overall capability and capacity, distribute capability across orbital layers, disaggregate functions across systems, and enable Enterprise elements to work collectively in peacetime and conflict to accomplish a wide variety of missions.

The work will encompass the early phases of a program's lifecycle through major activities such as Milestone B and a source selection, then follow the development lifecycle of satellite antenna, receivers, processors, and other major technology items necessary to deliver SIGINT satellite systems. The work is highly visible in both DSPO and SIGINT with opportunities to resolve complex or intricate issues and problems; developing new methods and criteria; or proposing new policies and practices. While not a systems engineering job, this position will work with other engineering disciplines, through model-based systems engineering, to own the end-to-end of a subsystems development including CONOPS, requirements, testing, launch, and on orbit activation with the development contractor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer science, or a related field.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex engineering challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant experience in engineering design, systems integration, or program management within the aerospace or defense sectors.
• Familiarity with SIGINT systems and ground integration processes is advantageous.
• Launch team and/or Transition Implementation Plan (TIP) team experience
• Ability to manage/prioritize multiple tasks and achieve timely completion
• Understanding of end-to-end NRO system engineering practices
• Advanced academic degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or other related technical degree or equivalent work experience
• Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform and is typically in or directly related to the duties of the position as described above. Experience must be reflected in your resume.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with various stakeholders, including NRO Enterprise, contractors, Aerospace, and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) providers, to develop and deliver an end-to-end integrated ground system that supports the first launch of the new SIGINT satellites by 2029.
• Engage in the early phases of program lifecycle activities, particularly Milestone B and source selection, ensuring optimal progress toward program goals.
• Develop, integrate, test, and deliver subsystems required to operate GC satellite systems, including command and control, ground processing, and the integrated infrastructure.
• Provide expertise on new technologies, methods, and processes associated with operating a proliferated satellite architecture from a shared ground element.
• Analyze and improve program planning and execution to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of system development and integration.
• Utilize model-based systems engineering to own the end-to-end development of subsystems, including Concept of Operations (CONOPS), requirements formulation, testing, launch operations, and on-orbit activation in collaboration with the development contractor.
• Address complex technical challenges and propose innovative solutions, methods, and criteria in support of program objectives.
• Establish and maintain high visibility within DSPO and other SIGINT programs, contributing to the resolution of intricate issues and advocating for new policies and practices that advance program goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

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