Job Description
This Space Systems Mission Engineer Lead will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S. Government civilians and contractors solving applied technical problems and developing usable solutions for multiple space-related capabilities and threats. The ideal candidate will:
Have experience with IC and/or DoD satellite system development or operations
Approach technical challenges with a problem-solving mindset, leveraging analytical expertise, innovative thinking, and engineering best practices.
Exhibit proactive communication, collaboration, and leadership skills to effectively contribute to cross-functional teams of engineers, scientists, and government stakeholders
Demonstrate a strong ability to translate complex technical requirements into practical, actionable solutions for space mission design and operations.
Show dedication to mission success by adapting to dynamic requirements, tight deadlines, and shifting priorities while maintaining a strong focus on technical excellence.
Remain committed to continuous learning, adopting cutting-edge tools, technologies, and practices to support and enhance space mission capabilities.
Duties and responsibilities include:
Perform rapid optical analysis for satellite systems, including the evaluation of line-of-sight and visibility conditions to support mission planning, trajectory analysis, operations, and performance assessments
Lead and align a multidisciplinary team of senior specialists with diverse working styles and strong technical opinions; build consensus and de-conflict competing technical priorities.
Develop and execute quick-look link budgets for satellite communication systems, considering factors such as signal-to-noise ratio, interference, attenuation, and power allocations
Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) to apply provided access constraints and perform simple sensor modeling to support technical analysis and assessment of mission requirements
Serve as Deputy IPT Lead (with a path to IPT Lead), supporting the lad in managing team activities, coordinating technical deliverables, and maintaining alignment with project objectives & schedules
Provide technical coordination to a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the successful execution of key tasks related to mission analysis, system design, and performance modeling
Act as a point of contact for technical and programmatic queries, addressing stakeholder concerns and escalating issues to senior leadership as necessary
Support the production of detailed technical assessments and recommendations for various external customers
Develop new tools, scripts, and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB to enhance analysis efficiency
Maintain understanding of U.S. Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities, as well as Foreign SDA capabilities and counter-space threats
Stay updated on advancements in optical systems, communication technologies, and space mission design to inform current and future mission analyses
Frequently interacting with program managers, SETAs, FFRDCs and external stakeholders
Developing productive relationships with the Program Office, Prime, and Subcontract counterparts, functional IC or DoD counterparts, and other SMEs
Qualifications
Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics and 9 or more years (7 or more with a Masters) of direct experience with the space segment of IC or DoD programs
Professional experience in mission analysis, satellite communications, or a related technical field, with progressive responsibility in leadership or team coordination role
Active TS/SCI Clearance with Special Access eligibility and consent to a Counter Intelligence (CI) polygraph. US Citizenship is required
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and analysis
Familiarity with satellite mission operations & orbital mechanics
Experience with orbit & sensor modeling and access assessments using Systems Tool Kit (STK)
Effective communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting complex technical information to diverse stakeholder groups.
Previous experience as an IPT Lead, Deputy IPT Lead, or similar technical leadership role within space programs.
Strongly Desired Skills:
Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience
Experience in satellite development factory or space system program office (SPO), particularly with Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) systems
In-depth knowledge of optical payloads, including telescope systems, sensors, and imaging technologies.
Understanding of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) techniques
Working knowledge of radar and/or optical technologies
Strong understanding of satellite communication principles, including link budget analysis, signal-to-noise ratio, and RF propagation
Familiarity with National Security Space architecture (IC and/or DoD)
