Programmatic Space Vehicle Engineer

SAIC • Chantilly, VA

12h • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a self-directed Programmatic Space Vehicle Engineer to support innovative space programs in Chantilly, Virginia. The engineer will work daily on-site with the Government, providing technical and programmatic advice and guidance on a critical space system. The role supports multidisciplinary space vehicle engineering and acquisition activities, with the goal of ensuring vehicle mechanical, electrical, and software components function safely and reliably to accomplish their mission.

The position involves technical leadership throughout system development, from requirements verification and mission design through prototype development, integration, testing, and mission readiness. The engineer will serve as a technical point of contact, translate customer needs into engineering requirements, assess contractor designs and performance, and communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations to Government and industry stakeholders. The work takes place in a fast-paced acquisition environment that calls for adaptability, initiative, and the ability to operate effectively amid ambiguity and demanding schedules.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 14 or more years of experience, or a master's degree and 12 or more years of experience.
• Strong satellite systems engineering background.
• Experience with major Government acquisition programs.
• Extensive experience in one or more of the following: mass properties, mechanical design and analysis, design for manufacturing, optical-mechanical systems, environmental testing, propulsion, mechanisms, guidance and controls, thermal engineering, structures, or aerospace engineering.
• Experience with space systems, including developing concepts of operations and mission threads and collaborating with stakeholders on interfaces.
• Ability to conduct trade studies, define interfaces, and work with developers to mature interface requirements.
• Ability to absorb extensive technical detail and formulate logical solutions for execution on inflexible schedules, including when data is conflicting or incomplete.
• Knowledge and application of systems engineering processes and functions.
• Systems engineering and system integration experience.
• Experience with satellite system requirements development, design, manufacturing, and test.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in a Government-contractor team environment.
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions with subject-matter experts.
• Ability to communicate with senior decision-makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently without supervision in a fast-paced, dynamic, team environment.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Previous SAP experience desired.
• Experience as a USAF/USSF acquisition officer (AFSC 63A) or developmental engineer (AFSC 62E) leading satellite programs in USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA.
• Experience applying the full range of systems engineering disciplines, including requirements development, architecture, and milestones such as SRR, PDR, and CDR.
• DAWIA or PMI program management experience.
• Experience with Intelligence Community or Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide the Government with space vehicle and subsystem engineering support, including recommended inputs and courses of action on technical and programmatic topics.
• Oversee multidisciplinary system-level acquisition, design, manufacture, integration, and test activities for space vehicles and interfaces with launch vehicles and ground systems.
• Provide technical leadership to identify, mitigate, and resolve space vehicle and subsystem risks and issues.
• Prepare and deliver written reports, risk assessments, recommendations, and presentations to the customer.
• Foster communication and alignment among team members to identify challenges and solutions.
• Evaluate prime contractor performance at milestone reviews, including compliance with technical requirements and the quality of deliverables.
• Support system development from initial requirements verification through mission design, prototype development, and test.
• Serve as the main technical point of contact, lead reviews, and translate customer needs into actionable engineering requirements.
• Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities.
• Support verification, validation, and test planning.
• Assess contractor designs at major milestone reviews, including progress, risks, issues, and ability to meet mission requirements.
• Provide technical support to Government customer activities and programmatic processes.
• Develop documents and briefings communicating work or study status, and brief Government and industry stakeholders as required.
• Develop procedures and tools to test integrated vehicle assemblies and verify vehicle health before it leaves for the pad.
• Ensure individual assembly areas meet requirements for seamless checkouts with minimal overhead.

What This Job Offers

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