Space Systems Engineer Principal

SAIC•Chantilly, VA

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Principal Systems Engineer to support ESR execution, extended mission activities, and activation opportunities. The role bridges mission science objectives with engineering solutions and contributes to planning, integrating, and executing milestones throughout the mission lifecycle. The engineer works directly with the Mission Science Team to meet mission-critical objectives, manage engineering processes, support mission planning, and transition systems from primary to extended mission phases. The position supports ESR execution and extended mission operations; collaboration with science and engineering teams; integrated planning and interface management; and risk and performance monitoring. It involves translating science requirements into technical and operational plans, coordinating stakeholders, tracking schedules and performance, and documenting and reporting mission activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field with 9 years of experience; alternatively, a master’s degree with 7 years of experience or a Ph.D. with 4 years of experience.
The posting also lists 3–7 years of experience in systems engineering or a related field, focused on areas such as mission operations, planning, integration, or extended mission execution.
Familiarity with ESR processes, extended missions, and related engineering and operational lifecycles.
Experience planning and scheduling complex projects or systems, with proficiency in MS Project, Primavera, or similar tools.
Understanding of science-driven missions and operational needs, including data collection, processing, and analysis workflows.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated experience working in cross-functional teams.
Active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in technical documentation and reporting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to collaborate across science and engineering teams.
Adaptability to evolving mission requirements and operational constraints.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
Familiarity with mission science planning tools or frameworks, including integration of science goals into operational pipelines.
Knowledge of modeling or simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, or mission analysis software.
Certifications such as INCOSE ASEP/CSEP, ITIL, or PMP.
Experience with space missions, planetary exploration, or other science-driven operational missions.

Responsibilities

Plan, manage, document, and execute ESR activities, including milestone reviews, readiness assessments, and risk management.
Develop strategies for transitioning systems from primary mission phases into extended mission operations, aligned with technical and scientific goals.
Identify and evaluate activation opportunities that support additional mission objectives or leverage system capabilities after the primary mission.
Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical and operational challenges during extended mission phases.
Work with the Mission Science Team to plan and prioritize science-driven operational needs, including data collection, processing, and analysis objectives.
Translate mission science requirements into technical designs and operational plans, maintaining end-to-end traceability and alignment with system capabilities.
Assist the Mission Science Team in integrating scientific goals into operational planning so required data collection and processing are achieved.
Evaluate and enhance mission plans to optimize scientific return and performance across mission phases.
Create and maintain detailed schedules for ESR, activation, and extended mission activities.
Coordinate planning and integration of system elements across interdisciplinary teams to support engineering and science goals.
Manage interfaces between mission science and engineering teams to ensure communication and technical solutions meet mission and operational needs.
Participate in internal and external stakeholder meetings to align objectives, report progress, and gather feedback.
Analyze risks associated with ESR and extended mission activities and develop mitigation strategies.
Monitor mission and system performance metrics during activation and extended mission phases and recommend improvements.
Document planning, execution, and integration activities and provide detailed reports and briefings to stakeholders and leadership.