Modern Technology Solutions

Senior Defense Technologist - Space

Modern Technology Solutions$120K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15 years of experience in advanced space systems development, assessment, or integration.
  • Experience in research, planning, and execution of technical projects related to space missions.
  • Ability to apply innovative engineering, analytical, or scientific methodologies to operational space issues.
  • Experience working with DoW stakeholders like Joint Staff or Combatant Commands on capability development.
  • Expertise in evaluating space technologies for operational utility and effectiveness.
  • Master's degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or related technical field; doctoral degree preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Provide advanced technical expertise and strategic awareness on space systems and architectures.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in space systems and mission areas.
  • Conduct assessments of space capabilities and their joint and coalition operational integration.
  • Advise on emerging space technologies and their impact on mission outcomes.
  • Support mission engineering and integrated architecture development for multi-domain operations.
  • Collaborate on modeling and simulation assessments to illustrate space contributions.
  • Identify and communicate space capability gaps, risks, and technology transition pathways.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to contribute to U.S. national security and joint operations.
  • Engagement with senior leaders and decision-makers across defense sectors.
  • Collaborative work environment with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Access to advanced technology and resources in the defense space domain.
Full Job Description
MTSI is seeking a Senior Defense Technologist specializing in the space domain, you will help the Department understand how next-generation space systems and architectures enhance joint operations, deterrence, global awareness, and resilience. You will provide deep technical insight, strategic awareness, and cross-domain understanding to ensure emerging capabilities align with future operational needs and can be integrated into mission-level constructions. This position is located in the National Capital Region (NCR).

You'll be a great fit for this role if:
  • You're Mission-Driven: You are motivated by strengthening space capabilities that underpin U.S. national security.
  • You Think Across Domains: You understand how space systems integrate with air, land, maritime, and cyber systems to support joint warfighting needs.
  • You Work Well in Ambiguity: You can identify technology pathways and operational implications even when requirements are evolving.
  • You Communicate with Influence: You can translate complex technical insights into clear, operationally meaningful outcomes and brief senior leaders confidently.
  • You Lead with Collaboration: You work seamlessly with engineering, analysts, operators, and senior government officials.


Responsibilities:
  • The successful candidate will provide advanced technical expertise, operational insights, and strategic awareness of space systems and architectures.
  • Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on space systems, architectures, and mission areas.
  • Provide technical and operational assessments of space capabilities and their integration into joint and coalition operations.
  • Advise on the role of current and emerging space technologies and how they contribute to mission outcomes.
  • Support mission engineering, future-force design, and integrated architecture development for space and multi-domain operations.
  • Evaluate technology feasibility, performance, readiness, applicability, and operational relevance.
  • Collaborate with analysts conducting modeling, simulation, and campaign-level assessments to ensure space contributions are adequately represented.
  • Identify and communicate space capability gaps, opportunities, risks, and technology transition pathways.
  • Engage with Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Services, and OSW stakeholders to support investment prioritization.
  • Contribute to the development of concepts of operations, requirements, and mission threads for future space missions.
  • Develop and deliver high-quality briefings, technical documents, and senior-level recommendations.
  • Ensure adherence to classification, disclosure, and security protocols across all activities.


Qualifications Required:
  • 15 years of experience in roles involving:
  • Development, assessment, or integration of advanced space systems, architectures, or mission capabilities.
  • Research, planning, and execution of technical projects relevant to space missions.
  • Applying innovating engineering, analytical, or scientific methodologies to space-related operational problems.
  • Supporting DoW stakeholders (e.g., Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Military Services, or OSW) on capability development and technical decision-making.
  • Evaluating space technologies for operational utility, effectiveness, and transition potential.


Education:
  • Master's degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Preferred: Doctoral/Terminal degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or a related technical discipline.


Even better if you have these desired skills:
  • Experience transitioning advanced space technologies from R&D into operational use.
  • Background supporting joint, service, or Combatant Command space planning or analysis.
  • Understanding of space domain mission areas, architectures, and supporting ground and cross-domain systems.
  • Ability to lead complex technical discussions across diverse teams, including engineers, analysts, and senior government officials.
  • Experience contributing to mission engineering or architecture development processes.
  • Joint/Combatant Command staff experience (highly preferred).


Clearance Requirements:

An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance (with SCI and SAP/CAP eligibility) is required.

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About Modern Technology Solutions

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a leading-edge engineering and technology company that provides critical solutions for complex military and commercial programs. MTSI has been providing engineering and technical services to the defense industry since 1993. The company has a strong focus on innovation and is committed to delivering the best solutions to its clients. MTSI has a highly skilled workforce of engineers, scientists, and technical experts who are dedicated to providing the highest quality services to its clients. The company has a proven track record of success and has received numerous awards and recognition for its work.
Learn more about Modern Technology Solutions
Size
1,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1993

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