Space Systems Engineer
About The Position
SAIC is seeking a self-directed Space Systems Engineer to support innovative 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 improve spacecraft subsystems and mitigate technical risks throughout development. Candidates should have thorough knowledge of NRO organizational structures, procedures, and satellite systems. The work takes place in a fast-paced acquisition environment and calls for adaptability, initiative, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and complex challenges. The position supports program decision-making and strategic mission planning, spacecraft architecture and subsystem development, testing and integration, system-level requirements, technical reviews, risk management, contract documentation, and readiness assessments. The engineer communicates program status to Government and industry audiences and helps resolve complex problems affecting multiple aspects of a project or program.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; typical education and experience is a bachelor’s degree and 14 or more years of experience, or a master’s degree and 12 or more years of experience.
- Active TS/SCI clearance required.
- Experience providing systems engineering support and technical guidance in the acquisition, development, and deployment of 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 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 in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment without supervision.
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, applying systems engineering disciplines such as requirements development, architecture, and milestone reviews, and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Government Program Managers to provide guidance on 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 meet mission objectives.
- Work with multidisciplinary satellite subsystem teams to oversee developer-led subsystem development, testing, and integration.
- 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; brief Government and industry audiences as required.
- Support full 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 Contract Officer Technical Representatives and Developers by coordinating with acquisition-domain subject matter experts and program stakeholders to develop, modify, and maintain contract documentation.
- Review Contract Data Requirements List 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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
