Ground Systems Engineer

SAIC • Chantilly, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to support cutting-edge space programs in Chantilly, Virginia. The role provides subject matter expertise in integrating space vehicle and ground station infrastructure for a government customer. The engineer will draw on experience across production, integration, and test phases of space system acquisition to guide development, verification, and deployment of critical space systems.

The position operates in a fast-paced acquisition environment supporting national defense priorities. It calls for a self-directed professional who can navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, adapt to changing needs, and work across technical and programmatic areas. The engineer will collaborate with government customers, prime contractors, subject matter experts, and industry partners, and communicate technical and program status to senior decision-makers.

A bachelor's degree and at least 14 years of experience, or a master's degree and at least 12 years of experience, are required. A TS/SCI clearance is required. A master's degree and previous SAP experience are preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 14 or more years of experience, or a master's degree and 12 or more years of experience.
• Experience supporting a government acquisition program office in a military, SETA, or civil servant capacity.
• Experience with systems architecture design of spacecraft, payload, and ground systems.
• Experience with Intelligence Community or Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.
• Experience with satellite system requirements development, design, manufacturing, and test.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Agile methodologies, and ground software for telemetry or data processing.
• 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, military and civilian personnel, and industry partners.
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions with subject matter experts.
• Ability to communicate with diverse 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 without supervision.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Previous SAP experience desired.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical liaison between government customers and prime contractors, overseeing acquisition, development, and integration of satellite ground station infrastructure.
• Construct and review engineering documents and provide subject matter expertise for source selections.
• Support program reviews, design, development, test, and transition-to-operations efforts.
• Oversee contractor production and integration and test activities, and report progress and outcomes to customers.
• Provide technical advice and input to the customer's System Program Director to inform strategic foundations for critical capabilities and current and future initiatives.
• Resolve highly complex, multidimensional problems involving variables that affect multiple aspects of a project or program.
• Lead development of innovative products and solutions through collaboration and dialogue with experts in the field.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status, and brief Government and industry audiences as required.
• Facilitate technical discussions with subject matter experts and communicate with senior decision-makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.

What This Job Offers

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