As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Systems Eningeering Lead to join our growing team. The preferred candidate will be situated locally in Greenbelt, MD, and able to work either hybrid or on site. This position provides senior-level engineering, scientific, and programmatic support to the NOAA Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Program, working directly with the LEO Senior Scientist and LEO Chief Systems Engineer across systems engineering, mission science, and algorithm management — from architecture and requirements through launch, operations, and transition. This position is contingent upon contract award, and will proceed once the contract is awarded.

Duties of the Program Systems Eningeering Lead will include the following:

• Assess the societal/economic benefits of LEO data and prepare value assessment reports of LEO observations.
• Support the LEO Senior Scientist in communicating mission science data effectiveness and customer applications, and in bridging the research and operations communities.
• Review LEO system implementation plans, operational concepts, orbit/attitude determination requirements, launch and early operations procedures, and configuration management.
• Support the LEO Chief Systems Engineer with technical documentation, software engineering process/metrics review, requirements analysis, system architecture and concept of operations, and subject matter expertise on operations, direct broadcast, and frequency management.
• Coordinate with NOAA/NASA LEO Program and Project Scientists and algorithm science staff to ensure consistency in Program Systems Engineering (PSE) and science efforts.
• Provide subject matter expertise on system installation, integration, testing, and transition to operations, and support acquisition planning activities.
• Consult with NOAA stakeholders on strategies to mitigate the sale of RF spectrum targeted for commercial use.
• Serve as liaison among the LEO Program, Flight Project, Ground Segment, STAR Science Team Leads, NESDIS OCS/SAE, and external groups on algorithm/data product performance, system interfaces, and requirements verification.
• Assess sensor performance waivers and anomalies affecting data products; guide Flight Project on sensor test, calibration, and characterization adequacy.
• Contribute to LEO Algorithm Management Project policy/strategy and document algorithms and technical reports.
• Provide project management support (schedules, risks, issue resolution) for development, verification, calibration, validation, and maintenance of LEO science algorithms and data products.

The Program Systems Eningeering Lead selected should have the following:

• Advanced degree (or equivalent experience) in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or physical/environmental science, with 15 6 20 years experience related to the above requirements

The Ideal Program Systems Eningeering Lead will have the following:

• Deep knowledge of satellite systems engineering 6 orbit/attitude determination, launch and early operations, and configuration management.
• Strong mission science/Earth observation background, able to translate data effectiveness into operational and customer applications.
• Experience with software engineering standards, metrics, and requirements analysis in a government/aerospace environment.
• Working knowledge of sensor and Environmental Data Record (EDR) algorithm management, including calibration and validation.
• Proven ability to serve as technical liaison across multiple organizations (NOAA, NASA, Flight/Ground, science teams) and align stakeholder requirements.
• Familiarity with direct broadcast services, frequency/spectrum management, and RF spectrum policy.
• Strong project management, technical writing, and briefing/review-board skills, with excellent written and verbal communication.