SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

SAIC$160K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred; PhD or JD considered for advanced experience levels.
  • 14+ years of experience with a Bachelor's, 12+ years with a Master's, or 9+ years with a PhD/JD.
  • Strong experience in systems engineering for satellite system acquisition and deployment.
  • Proven interpersonal and leadership skills in government/contractor team environments.
  • Ability to navigate complex networks of DOD and military personnel, and industry partners.
  • Excellent communication skills for interactions with diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Active TS/SCI with current Poly required; previous SAP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with Government Program Managers to shape future space missions and development strategies.
  • Direct technical architecture planning to adapt spacecraft designs for mission objectives.
  • Oversee satellite subsystem development and integration with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Engage with Integrated Product Teams and system milestone reviews to enhance performance and timelines.
  • Conduct risk assessments and implement strategies to ensure technical integrity.
  • Coordinate with stakeholders to create, update, and maintain contract documentation.
  • Review and verify Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables for accuracy and sufficiency.

Benefits

  • Innovative and dynamic work environment engaging in cutting-edge national defense projects.
  • Access to senior Government decision-makers for streamlined execution.
  • Opportunity for impactful work in a fast-paced acquisition setting.
  • Support for professional development and advancement within the organization.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Description

Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

SAIC is seeking self-directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel.

Job Description:

This position is for a Space Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Space Systems Engineer collaborates closely with the Government on a cutting-edge space program, providing guidance for essential decision-making in adapting reusable spacecraft to meet US Space Force mission requirements. The role leverages systems engineering principles to enhance spacecraft subsystems and mitigate technical risks during development. Candidates should possess thorough knowledge of NRO organizational structures, procedures, and satellite systems.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with Government Program Managers to provide guidance on development and progress and contribute to the strategic vision for future missions.
  • Direct technical architecture planning, identifying essential dependencies to adapt spacecraft designs for successfully meeting mission objectives.
  • Work alongside multidisciplinary satellite subsystem teams to oversee subsystem development, testing, and integration activities performed by developers.
  • Engage in Developer-led Integrated Product Teams (IPT) and system milestone reviews, offering strategic recommendations to optimize system performance and accelerate delivery timelines.
  • Perform risk assessments and execute mitigation strategies throughout the systems engineering lifecycle to preserve mission integrity and support program success.
  • Supports Contract Officer Technical Representatives (COTRs) and Developers by coordinating with other acquisition domain SMEs and program stakeholders to develop, modify, and maintain contract documentation.
  • Reviews Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, accuracy, and sufficiency to meet program requirements and objectives.
  • Participates in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers and COTR.
  • Supports readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness.
  • Resolves highly complex and multi-dimensional problems requiring consideration of variables that impact multiple aspects of the project/program.

Qualifications
  • TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
  • Experience providing systems engineering support and technical guidance in the acquisition, development, and deployment of satellite systems.
  • Ability to work in a very dynamic environment and effectively interact with numerous DOD, military/civilian personnel and industry partners.
  • Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
  • Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
  • Active TS/SCI with current Poly Required.
  • Previous SAP experience Preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree required / Master's degree preferred.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

About SAIC

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a technology integrator in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC has approximately 26,000 employees and operates in more than 70 countries. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. SAIC provides services to the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and civilian agencies. The company also serves commercial customers in the healthcare, energy, and financial services sectors.
Learn more about SAIC
Size
26,000 employees
Market Cap
$6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$206 million
Founded
1969
5 Year Trend
+10.7%
Revenue
$6.8 billion
NASDAQ

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