Mission Operations Engineer

SAIC • Chantilly, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a next-generation space program in Chantilly, Virginia. The role supports mission operations for satellite constellations and advanced space capabilities, working with government, contractor, and operational partners. The position is mission-focused and collaborative, supporting national space mission readiness and performance.

The engineer monitors satellite system performance and supports day-to-day mission operations, including readiness, initialization, checkout, and transition to operational status. The role also provides technical, analytical, and coordination support to government stakeholders and mission partners, including issue and anomaly tracking, operational assessments, status reporting, and leadership communications. Domestic travel may be required. Work is primarily in an office and/or operations center, with potential shift or surge support during critical operations periods as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field and 5+ years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree in a related technical field and 3+ years of relevant experience; or a high school diploma/GED and 9+ years of directly relevant satellite operations or mission operations experience in lieu of a degree.
• Knowledge of satellite systems operations and mission support activities, such as initialization, checkout, routine operations, and anomaly resolution.
• Experience monitoring system performance and supporting operational readiness and mission execution.
• Demonstrated ability to support identification, tracking, and resolution of system issues and anomalies in collaboration with government and contractor teams.
• Experience providing technical, analytical, and coordination support for operational activities, status reporting, and leadership updates.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to assess system status, operational impacts, and risks, and clearly communicate findings to leadership and mission partners.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically as required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph; must be able to maintain clearance eligibility for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting NRO, IC, or DoD space or ground systems operations.
• Background in mission operations, satellite command and control, or spacecraft engineering.
• Prior SETA experience supporting government program offices or operations centers.
• Experience with operational procedures development, mission planning, or readiness assessments.
• Familiarity with anomaly resolution processes, root-cause analysis, and corrective action tracking.
• Experience working in highly integrated, multi-contractor and government environments.

Responsibilities

• Monitor satellite system performance and support day-to-day mission operations, including readiness, initialization, checkout, and transition to operational status.
• Provide SETA support to government stakeholders in planning, coordinating, and executing satellite system operations and mission activities.
• Assist in identifying, tracking, and resolving system issues and anomalies with government, contractor, and operational teams.
• Analyze operational issues, risks, dependencies, and performance trends; communicate impacts and recommended actions to leadership.
• Develop and contribute to operational assessments, status summaries, briefings, reports, and other documentation related to system health, readiness, and mission impacts.
• Coordinate across government, contractor, and mission partner organizations to support mission execution, alignment with objectives, and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide technical, analytical, and coordination support in a dynamic operations environment while managing multiple priorities and stakeholder inputs.

What This Job Offers

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