Systems Engineer

SAIC • El Segundo, CA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC’s Horizon program is seeking a highly skilled and multidisciplinary Senior Systems Engineer to lead technical acquisition efforts, system integration, and engineering oversight within the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Surveillance & Reconnaissance (S&R) mission areas. This role requires extensive expertise in systems engineering, architecture development, requirements definition, risk management, and technical program integration to support the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC), adhering to the Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) approach for rapid capability fielding. This position is located in El Segundo, CA . Embedded in the Government’s Space Reconnaissance team, you will provide critical technical leadership and ensure successful end-to-end system acquisition, integration, and delivery of the next generation of space-based SDA and S&R capabilities. The role focuses heavily on applying systems engineering principles to develop and integrate space, ground, and communication segments, ensuring technical excellence, innovation, and alignment with mission objectives.

Why Join SAIC’s Horizon Program? At SAIC, we deliver mission-critical solutions using advanced systems engineering and technical expertise. By joining the Horizon program, you’ll be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge systems that drive U.S. Space Force capabilities forward. This is a rare opportunity to apply your technical skills to define the future of space superiority while collaborating across some of the most innovative teams in national security and defense.

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives. We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com . For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom .

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with 14+ years of experience in systems engineering, integration, and lifecycle management within the Department of Defense (DoD) environment.
• Expertise in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) systems, including sensor networks, data pipelines, analytics platforms, space object tracking techniques, data fusion, orbit determination, and conjunction assessment.
• Strong knowledge of DoDI 5000.02 Major Capability Acquisition System processes, JCIDS processes, and the PPBE process, with practical experience in applying acquisition policies to systems engineering.
• Proficiency in developing and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system architectures, and requirements traceability matrices.
• Experience applying system modeling and simulation tools, risk analysis frameworks, and technical data reviews.
• Security Clearance\: Currently hold an in-scope security background investigation (T5), adjudicated for SCI eligibility, and enrolled in the Continuous Vetting Program (if applicable).

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Professional certifications, such as INCOSE CSEP, DoD DAWIA Level III in Systems Engineering, or other recognized credentials.
• Experience with space-based technologies, such as electro-optical (EO) payloads, algorithms for space object detection, and SDA data processing/storage systems.
• Familiarity with operational needs and constraints in space units such as Delta 9, NSDC, JTF-SD, or CSpOC.
• Prior leadership on U.S. military space acquisition programs, particularly within SDA/S&R, including experience in requirements management, test planning, and risk management.
• Hands-on experience with space control mission areas and advanced SDA technologies, including rapid prototyping.
• Direct support of USSF/SSC space programs with demonstrated results in technical and mission alignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements definition, integration, testing, and verification.
• Develop and manage technical baselines, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and system performance goals.
• Oversee technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and evaluate contractor designs to ensure alignment with mission objectives.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks through detailed analyses and trade studies.
• Direct the integration of space, ground, and communication segments to ensure system readiness.
• Apply advanced configuration and change management practices to maintain consistency and traceability.
• Collaborate with government and contractor teams, facilitating cross-functional reviews and technical interchange meetings (TIMs).
• Align technical strategies with the Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) philosophy to enable rapid capability delivery.

What This Job Offers

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