Space Systems Engineer

SAIC • Chantilly, VA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a self-directed Space Systems Engineer to support cutting-edge space programs in Chantilly, Virginia. The role collaborates closely with Government stakeholders on adapting reusable spacecraft to meet U.S. Space Force mission requirements. It applies systems engineering principles to enhance spacecraft subsystems, manage technical risks, and support rapid capability delivery in a fast-paced acquisition environment. Candidates should have thorough knowledge of NRO organizational structures, procedures, and satellite systems.

The engineer provides technical guidance to Government Program Managers, contributes to future mission planning, directs technical architecture planning, and works with multidisciplinary teams overseeing subsystem development, testing, and integration. The position supports requirements and design understanding, lifecycle engineering reviews, program and readiness reviews, technical interchange meetings, and contract documentation and deliverable review. It also conducts risk assessment and mitigation and resolves complex, multidimensional program challenges.

SAIC describes itself as a mission integrator serving defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets. The company has approximately 23,000 employees and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; the typical education and experience qualification is a bachelor’s degree with 14 or more years of experience, or a master’s degree with 12 or more years of experience.
• 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 demonstrated effectiveness in a government/contractor team environment.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and interact effectively with DOD 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 system milestones including SRR, PDR, and CDR.
• DAWIA or PMI program management experience.

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.
• Work with multidisciplinary satellite subsystem teams to oversee developers’ subsystem development, testing, and integration activities.
• Participate in Developer-led Integrated Product Teams and system milestone reviews, offering 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.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work status, and brief Government and industry audiences as required.
• 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 program 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 a project or program.

What This Job Offers

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