Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer

SAIC•Denver, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

SAIC’s National Security and Space Sector seeks a Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer to provide mission-critical engineering and analytical solutions for joint Intelligence Community and Department of Defense space programs. The position is based at a secure facility in Aurora, Colorado, where the engineer will work with U.S. Government civilians and contractors on space and counter-space initiatives. The role involves optical and trajectory analysis, satellite mission planning and performance assessment, use of Systems Tool Kit (STK) for access constraints and sensor modeling, and development and maintenance of satellite interface control documents. The engineer will also develop automated analysis tools, perform satellite communications link budgets, and help resolve technical and interface issues across engineering teams. The position supports integration and testing, Interface Control Working Groups, stakeholder coordination, and technical and acquisition documentation for government decision-making. The successful candidate will bring experience in mission analysis, satellite communications, or a related technical field, along with familiarity with satellite operations, orbital mechanics, and national security space architecture. The role is on-site in Aurora, Colorado, with minimal travel and standard working hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or mathematics.
At least 9 years of direct experience with the space segment of IC or DoD programs; the posting states “9 or more with a Masters.”
Professional experience in mission analysis, satellite communications, or a related technical field, with progressive responsibility in a leadership or team-coordination role.
Active Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI with Poly.
Familiarity with satellite mission operations and orbital mechanics.
Experience with orbit and sensor modeling and access assessments using Systems Tool Kit (STK).
Effective communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting complex technical information to diverse stakeholder groups.
Familiarity with National Security Space architecture (IC and/or DoD).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience.
Experience in a satellite development factory or space system program office (SPO), particularly with Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) systems.
In-depth knowledge of optical payloads, including telescope systems, sensors, and imaging technologies.
Understanding of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) techniques.
Working knowledge of radar and/or optical technologies.
Strong understanding of satellite communication principles, including link-budget analysis, signal-to-noise ratio, and RF propagation.
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and analysis.

Responsibilities

Lead rapid optical and trajectory analysis for satellite systems to support mission planning and performance assessments.
Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) to apply provided access constraints and perform simple sensor modeling for technical analysis and mission-requirement assessment.
Develop and maintain Satellite Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for spacecraft, ground systems, payloads, and cross-system interfaces.
Develop tools, scripts, and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB to improve analysis efficiency.
Maintain an understanding of U.S. Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities and counter threats.
Develop productive relationships with Program Office, prime and subcontractor, functional IC or DoD counterparts, and other subject matter experts.
Execute link budgets for satellite communication systems, optimizing signal-to-noise ratio, interference, and power allocations.
Identify and mitigate interface risks and drive technical issue resolution across engineering teams.
Support system integration and test activities by providing authoritative documentation and clarification.
Manage Interface Control Working Groups (ICWGs) and ensure consistent stakeholder communication.
Develop acquisition- and technical-requirements-related briefings, plans, and documentation for government decision-making.
Promote continuous learning and adoption of tools, technologies, and practices.