Ground Segment Systems Engineer

sesengin•Reston, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Ground Segment Systems Engineer will support the systems engineering, technical integration, and lifecycle management of the Ground Segment supporting a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) communications satellite operating in a Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) environment. Reporting to the Ground Segment IPT Lead, this role will help develop and maintain the Ground Segment technical baseline while contributing to requirements management, interface definition, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), verification planning, and Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) activities. The successful candidate will work closely with RF, Network, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Software, Mission Planning, and Satellite Operations engineers to ensure successful integration and verification of the Ground Segment architecture throughout the program lifecycle. This position offers broad exposure across multiple engineering disciplines and provides the opportunity to support a mission-critical government communications capability from development through long-term sustainment. The Ground Segment Systems Engineer will play a key role in ensuring that requirements, interfaces, architectures, and operational capabilities remain aligned as the system evolves.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
3–5 years of professional experience supporting systems engineering, aerospace, satellite communications, defense programs, or other complex technical environments.
Working knowledge of systems engineering principles and lifecycle processes.
Familiarity with: Requirements management, Requirements traceability, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Configuration management, Verification and validation processes, Technical documentation development.
Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to effectively coordinate across multiple technical disciplines and stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common engineering collaboration tools.
Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting satellite communications, aerospace, or Department of Defense programs.
Familiarity with Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite systems and Ground Segment architectures.
Experience developing or maintaining Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for complex hardware and software systems.
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler.
Experience using requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS or DOORS Next.
Familiarity with Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRMs), verification planning, and requirements verification methodologies.
Experience supporting Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs) and related engineering documentation.
Experience supporting Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) activities for complex systems.
Familiarity with cloud-native Ground Systems, mission planning systems, or satellite command and control architectures.
Experience with Jira, Confluence, or similar engineering collaboration platforms.
Knowledge of systems integration principles across RF Ground Systems, Cloud Infrastructure, Software, Networks, and Mission Operations.
Experience with or knowledge of SES/Intelsat Ground Segment architectures, satellite control systems, engineering processes, or GEO satellite operations is highly desirable.
Strong systems-thinking mindset with an interest in multidisciplinary engineering and integration.
Self-motivated with a desire to learn and grow in a complex aerospace and satellite communications environment.
Excellent organizational and technical writing skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, mission-critical Government program environment.
Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships across engineering disciplines and with Government and contractor stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Support the Ground Segment IPT Lead in the planning, coordination, and execution of Ground Segment engineering activities.
Assist in the development, maintenance, and management of the Ground Segment technical baseline, ensuring consistency between requirements, architecture, interfaces, and implementation.
Support the development, coordination, review, and maintenance of Ground Segment Interface Control Documents (ICDs), including interfaces between: Ground Control Software, RF Ground Systems, Anchor Stations, TT&C Systems, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Infrastructure, Mission Planning Systems, External Government Systems, Space Vehicle Interfaces.
Coordinate with internal engineering teams and external stakeholders to ensure interface requirements are properly documented, reviewed, baselined, and maintained throughout the program lifecycle.
Support Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities, including system modeling, architecture updates, requirements traceability, and management of engineering artifacts.
Assist in the development and maintenance of the Verification Cross Reference Matrix (VCRM) to ensure Ground Segment requirements are properly allocated and verified.
Support development and maintenance of the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) and other Ground Segment systems engineering documentation.
Support planning and coordination of Ground Segment Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) activities, including: Integration planning, Verification planning, Test coordination, Requirements validation, Test documentation support.
Assist in the development and maintenance of Ground Segment requirements, verification matrices, engineering documentation, and technical reports.
Support requirements traceability and configuration management activities throughout the system lifecycle.
Participate in engineering working groups, technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and integration planning sessions.
Support preparation for major program reviews, including: System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), Operational Readiness Review (ORR).
Track engineering action items, technical issues, and interface coordination efforts across the Ground Segment IPT.
Support technical risk identification, documentation, and mitigation planning under the guidance of senior engineering staff.
Assist in the transition of the Ground Segment from development and integration into operational service and long-term sustainment.