Mission Analyst/Deputy IPT Lead

SAIC•Denver, CO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Space Mission Analysis Lead to join the National Security and Space Sector (NSS). This role involves working on a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) program, providing specialized space/counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services from Aurora, Colorado. The position supports leading-edge IC and DoD space programs, offering deep-technical work with direct influence on program development and operations. The team comprises Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in physics, math, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis. This Space Systems Mission Engineer Lead will operate in a collaborative, team-focused environment with U.S. Government civilians and contractors, solving applied technical problems and developing solutions for space-related capabilities and threats.

Requirements

Experience with IC and/or DoD satellite system development or operations
Approach technical challenges with a problem-solving mindset, leveraging analytical expertise, innovative thinking, and engineering best practices.
Exhibit proactive communication, collaboration, and leadership skills to effectively contribute to cross-functional teams of engineers, scientists, and government stakeholders.
Demonstrate a strong ability to translate complex technical requirements into practical, actionable solutions for space mission design and operations.
Show dedication to mission success by adapting to dynamic requirements, tight deadlines, and shifting priorities while maintaining a strong focus on technical excellence.
Remain committed to continuous learning, adopting cutting-edge tools, technologies, and practices to support and enhance space mission capabilities.

Responsibilities

Perform rapid optical analysis for satellite systems, including the evaluation of line-of-sight and visibility conditions to support mission planning, trajectory analysis, operations, and performance assessments.
Lead and align a multidisciplinary team of senior specialists with diverse working styles and strong technical opinions; build consensus and de-conflict competing technical priorities.
Develop and execute quick-look link budgets for satellite communication systems, considering factors such as signal-to-noise ratio, interference, attenuation, and power allocations.
Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) to apply provided access constraints and perform simple sensor modeling to support technical analysis and assessment of mission requirements.
Serve as Deputy IPT Lead (with a path to IPT Lead), supporting the lad in managing team activities, coordinating technical deliverables, and maintaining alignment with project objectives & schedules.
Provide technical coordination to a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the successful execution of key tasks related to mission analysis, system design, and performance modeling.
Act as a point of contact for technical and programmatic queries, addressing stakeholder concerns and escalating issues to senior leadership as necessary.
Support the production of detailed technical assessments and recommendations for various external customers.
Develop new tools, scripts, and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB to enhance analysis efficiency.
Maintain understanding of U.S. Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities, as well as Foreign SDA capabilities and counter-space threats.
Stay updated on advancements in optical systems, communication technologies, and space mission design to inform current and future mission analyses.
Frequently interacting with program managers, SETAs, FFRDCs and external stakeholders.
Developing productive relationships with the Program Office, Prime, and Subcontract counterparts, functional IC or DoD counterparts, and other SMEs.