SME System Engineer

Momentum • Chantilly, VA

10d

About The Position

MOMENTUM is seeking a SME System Engineer to provide SETA (Systems Engineering & Technical Assistance) support to a government program office responsible for the development and deployment of a space-based Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) system. This role places you at the center of a high-visibility, fast-paced program, working directly with government leadership and industry partners to ensure mission success. You will provide independent technical assessment, systems engineering expertise, and mission-focused insight across the full lifecycle from design through launch and early operations. This is an opportunity for a technically strong engineer who thrives in a government advisory role, understands how to bridge government and industry, and wants to contribute to a next-generation space-based radar mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field (Master’s or PhD preferred)
• Active Top Secret SCI with CI Poly or the ability to get a CI Poly after hire
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, space systems, or defense programs
• Demonstrated experience across the full system lifecycle (requirements, design, integration, test, and operations)
• Strong background in space-based ISR systems, radar systems, or RF payloads
• Experience with one or more of the following: Radar system design or radar signal processing, RF payload development and production testing, Performance modeling and estimation (e.g., detection, tracking, coverage), Mission data processing or ground system architectures
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML tools (e.g., Cameo/MagicDraw)
• Ability to assess contractor technical performance and provide independent recommendations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior leadership

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience supporting a government program office (SETA or similar role)
• Familiarity with DoD/IC acquisition processes (JCIDS, DoD 5000 series)
• Experience working with prime contractors and major subcontractors
• Background in Satellite and payload engineering, Communications systems and architectures, Crypto integration in space systems, Multi-sensor integration and data fusion
• Experience supporting Integration & test campaigns, Launch site operations and readiness reviews, Early orbit operations/commissioning
• Proficiency with tools such as: Cameo/MagicDraw, Tableau, Confluence, Jira, DOORS, Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical tools

Responsibilities

• Provide independent technical assessment of contractor designs, architectures, and performance
• Support systems engineering lifecycle activities, including requirements development, design reviews, integration, test, and verification
• Evaluate radar payload performance, modeling, and system-level trade studies
• Assess RF hardware development and production testing
• Support Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering efforts, including system performance modeling and multi-sensor integration
• Analyze and validate end-to-end mission performance (sensor, ground, processing, dissemination)
• Participate in and support major program design reviews
• Provide technical risk identification and mitigation recommendations to government leadership
• Develop and deliver briefings and decision support materials for senior stakeholders
• Collaborate with government and contractor teams using tools such as Cameo, Tableau, and Confluence

Benefits

• We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What This Job Offers

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