OverviewSPA has an immediate need for an Exercise Systems Engineer.
Responsibilities
SPA is looking for an Exercise Systems Engineer with Space Domain experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office. This position is responsible for designing, planning, coordinating, and executing operational test campaigns and exercises to assess, validate, and demonstrate on-orbit system capabilities in support of mission objectives. This role serves as a critical bridge between engineering, operations, and mission partners to ensure space and intelligence systems are rigorously evaluated under realistic operational conditions.
The successful candidate will lead the development of exercise concepts, test objectives, execution plans, and performance assessments while collaborating across the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and international partner organizations. This individual must possess strong systems engineering expertise, operational planning experience, and the ability to identify innovative testing approaches that improve schedule efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate capability validation.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at date of application
- Please discuss specific polygraph requirements with an SPA Talent Acquisition professional
- Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Operations Research, or a related technical discipline
- 9+ years of experience supporting systems engineering, operational testing, military exercises, mission operations, or space system development programs
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing operational tests, exercises, demonstrations, or capability assessments
- Experience developing test objectives, operational scenarios, performance metrics, and validation methodologies
- Experience collaborating with DoD organizations, Intelligence Community agencies, and multi-organizational mission partners
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop creative solutions to complex operational challenges
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and coordinate activities across geographically dispersed organizations
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively to CONUS and OCONUS locations
- Ability to report to designated work location in Chantilly, VA on a full time basis
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience supporting National Security Space, ISR, GEOINT, SATCOM, or other space-based mission programs
- Familiarity with Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) processes and military exercise planning frameworks
- Experience with modeling and simulation tools used for mission planning, system performance assessment, and capability validation
Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $195,000.00/Yr.
