Space Systems Engineer

SAIC•Chantilly, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a self-directed Space Systems Engineer to support cutting-edge space programs in Chantilly, Virginia. The position collaborates closely with the Government on adapting reusable spacecraft to meet U.S. Space Force mission requirements. It applies systems engineering principles to improve spacecraft subsystems and mitigate technical risks during development. The role requires thorough knowledge of NRO organizational structures, procedures, and satellite systems, and involves working in a dynamic acquisition environment with Government and industry stakeholders. The engineer provides technical guidance to support program decisions, architecture planning, subsystem development and integration, requirements management, engineering reviews, risk mitigation, contract documentation, and readiness assessments. The role also communicates work status through documents and briefings and helps resolve complex program and technical problems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 14 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, or at least 12 years with a master’s degree.
Experience providing systems engineering support and technical guidance in the acquisition, development, and deployment of satellite systems.
Thorough knowledge of NRO organizational structures, procedures, and satellite systems.
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in a Government/contractor team environment.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment and interact effectively with Department of Defense personnel, military and civilian personnel, and industry partners.
Ability to facilitate technical discussions with subject-matter experts.
Ability to communicate with senior decision-makers who have 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.
TS/SCI clearance 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 systems engineering disciplines such as requirements development, architecture, and SRR, PDR, and CDR milestones, and/or DAWIA/PMI program management.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Government Program Managers to advise on program development and progress and contribute to the strategic vision for future missions.
Direct technical architecture planning and identify dependencies needed to adapt spacecraft designs to mission objectives.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary satellite subsystem teams on developer-performed subsystem development, testing, and integration.
Participate in Developer-led Integrated Product Teams and system milestone reviews, providing recommendations to optimize performance and accelerate delivery.
Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of system-level requirements and the design features that satisfy them.
Prepare documents and briefings to communicate work status to Government and industry audiences.
Support lifecycle engineering reviews to demonstrate that designs meet specifications and customer requirements.
Perform risk assessments and execute mitigation strategies throughout the systems engineering lifecycle.
Support COTRs and Developers by coordinating with acquisition subject-matter experts and stakeholders to develop, modify, and maintain contract documentation.
Review CDRL deliverables for content, accuracy, and sufficiency against program requirements and objectives.
Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers and COTRs.
Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness.
Resolve highly complex, multidimensional problems involving variables that affect multiple aspects of the project or program.