Ground Systems Engineer

SAIC • Chantilly, VA

1d • 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 on integrating space vehicles and ground station infrastructure for a government customer. The engineer will guide development, verification, and deployment of space systems, drawing on experience in production, integration, and testing within a space-system acquisition program.

The position supports a fast-paced acquisition environment and requires initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work across complex technical and programmatic challenges. Candidates with experience leading satellite programs in the USSF, NRO, or SDA; systems engineering; and/or program management are particularly well-prepared. A TS/SCI clearance is required.

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 for spacecraft, payloads, 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 Department of Defense personnel, military and civilian personnel, and industry partners.
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions with subject matter experts.
• Ability to communicate with senior decision-makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer-engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently, without supervision, in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Previous SAP experience desired.
• 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, including requirements development, architecture, and systems engineering milestones such as SRR, PDR, and CDR.
• DAWIA or PMI program management experience.

Responsibilities

• Act 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, testing, 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 capabilities and current and future initiatives.
• Resolve highly complex, multidimensional problems, considering variables that affect multiple aspects of a project or program.
• Lead development of innovative products and solutions through collaboration and dialogue with other experts.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status, and brief government and industry audiences as required.

What This Job Offers

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