Payload & Mission Engineer - SDA Tracking Architecture
About The Position
The Payload & Mission Engineer supports the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Cell, providing expertise in Missile Warning (MW), Missile Tracking (MT), and Missile Defense (MD) mission architecture definition, performance modeling and evaluation, acquisition oversight, operations planning, and integration with external stakeholders. The role supports SDA’s Tracking Cell Director and Tracking Tranche Program Managers in delivering warfighter capabilities that address critical capability gaps. The engineer provides technical leadership across Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense efforts and all tranches. Work includes architectural modeling, requirements definition, acquisition support, stakeholder coordination, partner-system integration, and ensuring SDA Tracking space and ground efforts meet warfighter requirements. The position advises senior SDA leadership, supports investment decisions, and contributes to proliferated low Earth orbit constellation design and missile-defense capability development. The role provides mission systems engineering expertise for contract execution, performance assessments and trades, on-orbit operations planning, space and ground system integration, technology roadmaps, and future tranche requirements. It also directs technical teams conducting modeling, simulation, and analysis; monitors contractor execution; assesses operational capabilities in missile-defense scenarios; and supports the mission lifecycle from requirements and acquisition oversight through on-orbit testing and operational integration. This is a full-time, on-site position at one of the listed locations: Chantilly, Virginia; El Segundo, California; Huntsville, Alabama; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida; Hill AFB, Utah; or Albuquerque, New Mexico. Domestic travel is approximately 10%.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, or another related discipline.
- 12 or more years of progressive engineering experience in space systems, with demonstrated growth in technical leadership and program influence.
- Relevant progressive experience in Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense space-vehicle development, test, and/or space-to-ground system integration.
- Ability to lead cross-functional, high-performing teams in fast-paced environments and work across the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group matrix and other program offices.
- Ability to influence outcomes through data-driven analysis and build and maintain substantive rapport with Aerospace peers and government customers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and build consensus through persuasive professional communication.
- Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time.
- Current and active TS/SCI clearance issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, or a related discipline.
- 12 or more years of specialized experience in MWTD systems, architectures, operations, data processing, and performance assessment.
- Experience with missile-defense sensors and space-based tracking systems, such as SBIRS, OPIR, or API, or familiarity with related EO/IR sensor phenomenology, tracking algorithms, or mission-analysis tools.
- Background in signal processing, data-fusion techniques, or modeling and simulation tools such as STK, EADSIM, AFSIM, or similar.
- Experience with space architecture concepts such as proliferated LEO constellations, inter-satellite links, mesh networks, or JADC2 integration, and/or familiarity with MDA/BMDS architectures.
- Exposure to or experience with rapid-acquisition approaches, including agile frameworks, MTA authorities, OTA contracting, or programs such as SpRCO or DIU.
- Leadership and customer engagement experience, including mentoring engineers and delivering comprehensive assessment products to senior stakeholders.
- Multidisciplinary space-enterprise knowledge spanning DoD, IC, civil, and commercial missions, technologies, and operations.
- Direct SDA experience and familiarity with SDA Tracking architecture, functional cells, and leadership interactions.
Responsibilities
- Lead mission architecture development for space-based missile warning and tracking systems.
- Support the SDA Tracking Cell Director and Tracking Tranche Program Managers in delivering warfighter capabilities.
- Provide Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense technical leadership across all tranches, including architectural modeling, requirements definition, acquisition support, stakeholder coordination, partner-system integration, and warfighter requirements alignment.
- Advise SDA senior leadership and inform space architecture investment decisions.
- Contribute to proliferated LEO constellation design and the development of missile-defense capabilities.
- Provide mission systems engineering expertise for contract execution, performance assessments and trades, on-orbit operations planning, space and ground system integration, technology roadmap development, and future tranche requirements.
- Direct technical teams conducting Tracking modeling, simulation, and analysis to validate operational performance and inform acquisition decisions.
- Monitor contractor execution and provide systems engineering and subject-matter-expert support.
- Oversee analysis of operational capabilities for missile-defense scenarios.
- Support the mission lifecycle from requirements definition and contractor oversight through on-orbit testing, operational integration, and enterprise and warfighter integration.
- Travel domestically approximately 10% of the time.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
- 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs
- Education assistance programs
- Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
