Acquisition Program Engineer, SSC/SW

Space Systems Command; Chantilly (VA); Remote; USD 102,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Systems Command in Chantilly, VA is seeking an Acquisition Program Engineer (NH-0801-03, GS-12/13) to support the development and acquisition of advanced sensing capabilities that strengthen space-enabled mission outcomes.

You will lead and support complex engineering projects within cost, schedule, and performance constraints, translate operational needs into sound technical solutions, manage technical risk, and shape program strategies for space, airborne, or sensor systems.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering efforts.
• Background in systems, aerospace, electronics or related fields.
• Proven ability to manage system requirements and performance objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support complex engineering projects within cost, schedule, and performance constraints.
• Translate operational needs into sound technical solutions and shape program strategies.
• Coordinate with customers and partner organizations; monitor progress and evaluate results.

Skills

Systems engineering

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Technical analysis

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

• Security Clearance: Sensitive Compartmented Information

Key Responsibilities

The United States Space Force (USSF) in Chantilly, VA is searching for an Acquisition Program Engineer to support SSC/SW (NH-0801-03, GS-12/13 Equivalent). Description: Join Space Systems Command as a General Engineer supporting the development and acquisition of advanced sensing capabilities that strengthen space-enabled mission outcomes.

In this role, you will lead and support complex engineering projects and studies within established cost, schedule, and performance constraints, with a focus on advanced sensor acquisition, and targeting capabilities. You will work across a dynamic system-of-systems environment to translate operational needs into sound technical solutions, resolve challenging integration issues, manage technical risk, and help shape program strategies.

Looking for an innovative, collaborative engineer who can bring together diverse technical and program stakeholders to achieve shared objectives. You will apply sound engineering judgment to evaluate complex problems, develop and assess alternatives, and provide clear, actionable recommendations to senior leaders.

Success in this position requires the ability to manage priorities and resources, coordinate with customers and partner organizations, monitor progress, and evaluate results. Strong communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills are essential to explaining highly technical concepts, building consensus, and advancing solutions that meet operational expectations.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate is an experienced engineer with a background in systems, aerospace, electronics, or a related engineering discipline, with demonstrated experience supporting the acquisition, development, integration, testing, or sustainment of complex space, airborne, sensor, or weapon-system capabilities.

The candidate should be able to independently lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts; develop and manage system requirements, specifications, and performance objectives; assess technical alternatives; and provide recommendations that balance cost, schedule, performance, reliability, supportability, and technical risk. Experience integrating hardware, software, sensors, and mission systems across multiple platforms or domains is highly desirable.

The candidate should be skilled in systems engineering, specialty engineering, mission assurance, lifecycle management, risk mitigation, and technical analysis. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for preparing technical reports, presenting briefings, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and advising leadership.

Experience with advanced sensing architectures, Airborne/Space Moving Target Indication (AMTI), space systems, surveillance or reconnaissance systems, sensor integration, or similar mission areas is preferred.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Space Systems Command, Department of the Air Force.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $102415 – $158322/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-16.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.