Technical Director

SAIC•Denver, CO

10h

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Technical Director to lead the technical direction and execution of a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) program based in Aurora, Colorado. The program provides specialized space and counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services to National Security space customers, including modeling, simulation, integration and analysis, ground and space studies, and deployed collection campaigns. This hands-on technical leadership role is responsible for resolving complex program issues, aligning corporate and government stakeholders, and delivering mission-relevant results. The Technical Director leads subject matter experts in physics, mathematics, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis. The role works closely with the Program Manager and senior leaders to ensure technical products are credible and delivered on time.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
At least 14 years of experience, or at least 12 years with a master's degree.
Demonstrated technical expertise in space systems analysis, with a strong foundation in modeling and simulation.
Experience leading technical teams in a DoD or IC environment.
Ability to communicate complex technical topics to senior government and corporate audiences.
Active TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

CI polygraph preferred.
Master's degree or PhD in a technical discipline.
Ten or more years of experience in space systems, including at least five years in a technical leadership role such as technical director, chief engineer, deputy program manager, or similar.
In-depth knowledge of National Security Space architecture and organizations, and the IC and/or DoD.
Familiarity with space mission design, satellite operations, or space-based sensor technologies.
Understanding of space and counter-space threats.
Experience leading complex, multifaceted efforts with diverse technical teams and deliverables.
Working knowledge of project management tools and methods.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
Track record of influencing change across government and corporate organizations.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership across program tasks and set direction and standards for analysis, modeling, and mission reporting.
Identify root causes of issues, develop options and recommendations, and follow through on decisions to drive issues to closure.
Serve as a senior technical interface to government customers and mission partners, building trust and influencing outcomes.
Communicate program status, risks, and opportunities to corporate leaders and help secure resources and support.
Lead and mentor subject matter experts and team leads, setting expectations for technical quality, rigor, and timeliness.
Partner with the Chief Engineer to ensure deliverables and mission reports are technically sound, clearly communicated, and delivered on schedule.
Guide technical approaches for trade studies, hardware needs, and integration of mission, payload, and operational utility analyses.
Oversee technical aspects of a bespoke information system environment across multiple networks and classification levels.
Support oversight of a remote work site with significant government investment and government-furnished equipment.
Work with the Program Manager on staffing, subcontractor performance, and surge needs.
Promote innovation and continuous improvement in engineering and analytical processes.