Mission Planning Systems Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions Inc•El Segundo, CA

1d•$157,000 - $196,000•Onsite

About The Position

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Mission Planning Systems Engineer to join its team in El Segundo, California. The role supports MILSATCOM mission planning and systems engineering and integration (SE&I) for the Space Force’s acquisition of satellite communications systems that provide secure, survivable, and protected communications. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance. The engineer will help plan access and allocate resources across complex space and ground communications systems. Work includes developing mission-planning requirements and tools, analyzing satellite coverage and communications resources, refining scheduling and deconfliction approaches, integrating mission-planning software with satellite control and TT&C systems, and supporting verification, validation, cybersecurity compliance, and technical reviews. The engineer will coordinate with government stakeholders and teams including RF engineering, flight dynamics, and satellite operations, and prepare technical materials for government program office review. This is an on-site role in El Segundo, California, with moderate travel and standard working hours. The position offers a California pay range of $157,000 to $196,000 per year. Actual base pay may vary based on government contract ranges and job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other factors. MTSI offers medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and the posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.

Requirements

Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or a related technical field.
10 or more years of experience in systems engineering.
5 or more years of experience in mission planning, satellite resource allocation, or scheduling systems engineering.
Deep understanding of satellite communications concepts, including link budgets, frequency and bandwidth allocation, and terminal-to-satellite access.
Ability to coordinate with numerous stakeholders and customers.
Strong interpersonal skills for working and interfacing with diverse personnel in a dynamic team environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Active Secret clearance or higher.
Master’s degree in a technical field such as engineering, mathematics, physics, or computer science.
Systems engineering certifications such as INCOSE ASEP or CSEP.
Experience with MILSATCOM programs such as AEHF, EPS, WGS, PTES, PTS, and FAB-T terminal programs.
Experience with mission planning or scheduling software tools and algorithm development, such as optimization, deconfliction, or constraint-based scheduling.
Knowledge of orbital mechanics and satellite coverage analysis tools such as STK.
Programming or scripting experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for planning support and automation.
Knowledge and experience with Jira and Confluence.
Experience working with military and DoD civilian clients.
Experience and familiarity working on a government space systems program.
Experience working on a Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) contract.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain requirements for mission planning systems supporting MILSATCOM resource allocation, access scheduling, and payload configuration.
Support engineering of mission planning tools for satellite access planning, terminal-to-satellite resource assignment, and frequency and bandwidth allocation.
Analyze and model satellite coverage, link availability, and communications resource conflicts across MILSATCOM constellations such as AEHF, WGS, and MUOS.
Support development and refinement of scheduling and deconfliction algorithms for competing mission planning requests.
Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between mission planning systems, satellite control networks, and terminal segments.
Support integration of mission planning software with satellite command and control (C2) and TT&C systems.
Perform trade studies evaluating mission planning tool architecture, automation approaches, and system performance.
Support verification and validation (V&V) of mission planning software and algorithm updates.
Evaluate and document system risks associated with mission planning capabilities and coordinate mitigation strategies with government stakeholders.
Support technical reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR, related to mission planning system upgrades and sustainment.
Coordinate with RF engineering, flight dynamics, and satellite operations teams on link budget, orbital geometry, and resource availability inputs to mission planning.
Support cybersecurity compliance for mission planning systems, including RMF/ATO documentation as applicable.
Prepare technical documentation, briefings, and reports for government program office review.
Collaborate with prime contractors, other support contractors, government civilians, and members of the U.S. Space Force.