Chief Space Systems Integrator (Top Secret)

Vantor (Maxar Intelligence); El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Mental health resources

Student loan repayment assistance

Adoption reimbursement

Pet insurance

Job summary

Vantor is seeking a Chief Space Systems of Systems Integrator in El Segundo, CA, to connect operational priorities with technical architecture and mission execution across the Space Force enterprise. You will lead a systems engineering and integration team addressing complex challenges across mission threads and kill chains.

Ideal candidates have 18+ years in defense systems engineering, 5+ years in leadership for space programs, and the ability to influence executive-level decisions while

Qualifications

• Top Secret clearance required.
• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering field.
• 18+ years of experience in defense systems engineering and development, including Joint space operations, C5ISR, and battle management systems.
• 5+ years of experience in a systems engineering leadership role for a large-scale space system of systems programs.
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience working within the DoD acquisition system.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle planning, program management, and milestones.
• Ability to be highly motivated with a dynamic work ethic and contribute to the DoD mission.
• Ability to engage with executive leadership comfortably and influence decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical effort to architect, engineer, integrate, test, and field the Space Warfighting System of Systems.
• Translate operator needs into actionable architectures, requirements, interfaces, and integration plans.
• Align capabilities across end-to-end mission threads and kill chains, including offensive and defensive space operations.
• Identify gaps, dependencies, and risks early, guiding practical solutions.
• Lead contributions to enterprise reviews and governance boards with clear recommendations to senior decision-makers.
• Coordinate with operators, engineers, program leaders, and stakeholders to move decisions into execution.

Job description

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters - where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen. This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance, applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. Employment for cleared roles is contingent upon verification of clearance status.Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Please review the job details below.

The Challenge

Shape how the next generation of space capabilities fights - and wins. The future of space superiority depends on how effectively capabilities work together. Vantor is seeking a Chief Space Systems of Systems Integrator to connect operational priorities, technical architecture, and mission execution across the U.S. Space Force enterprise. In this high-impact role, you'll work directly with senior Space Force leaders and executives to shape, integrate, and field resilient space, ground, and user capabilities. You'll lead a systems engineering and integration team tackling complex challenges across mission threads, kill chains, and interconnected systems, bringing the enterprise perspective needed to turn individual capabilities into operational advantage.

What you'll do

• Lead the technical effort to architect, engineer, integrate, test, and field the Space Warfighting System of Systems.
• Translate warfighter needs into actionable architectures, requirements, interfaces, and integration plans.
• Align capabilities across end-to-end mission threads and kill chains, including offensive and defensive space operations.
• Identify gaps, dependencies, and integration risks early, and guide practical solutions.
• Lead technical contributions to enterprise reviews and governance boards, providing clear recommendations to senior decision-makers.
• Bring operators, engineers, program leaders, and stakeholders together to move decisions into execution.

What you'll bring

• Senior-level leadership experience in space operations, systems engineering, mission integration, or complex defense programs.
• The ability to connect operational objectives with technical requirements and engineering decisions.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and aligning stakeholders across organizational boundaries.
• Strong judgment in evaluating technical risk, competing priorities, and mission consequences.
• The ability to communicate complex issues clearly and influence decisions at the executive level.

Experience that sets you apart

• Strategic-level experience synchronizing offensive and defensive space operations.
• Experience supporting USSPACECOM, the National Space Defense Center, the Missile Defense Agency, or related mission organizations.
• Leadership of systems-of-systems engineering, architecture, integration, testing, or operational capability delivery.
• A record of connecting operational planning, acquisition, and engineering to deliver mission outcomes.

Bring your operational insight. Lead the integration. Shape the mission with Vantor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Top Secret clearance
• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering field
• 18+ years of experience in defense systems engineering and development, including with Joint space operations, C5ISR, and battle management systems
• 5+ years of experience serving in a systems engineering leadership role for a large-scale space system of systems programs
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Experience working within the DoD acquisition system
• Knowledge of Department of War acquisition systems, lifecycle planning, program management, and key program milestones
• Ability to be highly motivated, display a dynamic work ethic, and contribute to the DoD mission
• Ability to be comfortable with daily interactions at the executive leadership level
• Ability to drive organizational change with limited authority

Preferred Qualifications

• TS/SCI clearance
• Master's degree in a STEM or Space field
• Experience working within the DoD acquisition system
• Experience practicing MBSE
• Experience in Agile planning and systems development
• Knowledge of Space Force systems and warfighting missions
• Possession of excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
• Possession of excellent verbal and written communication skills

Clearance

Top Secret/SCI Eligible

Work Location

El Segundo (LAAFB) - primarily on-site (4-5 days/week).

Pay Transparency

To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate's experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.

The base pay for this position within California is: $150,000.00 - $200,000.00 - $220,000.00 annually.

Benefits

• including a robust 401(k) with company match
• mental health resources
• unique perks like student loan repayment assistance
• adoption reimbursement
• pet insurance to support all aspects of your life.

You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.Vantor.com/careers

The date of posting can be found on Vantor's Career page at the top of each job posting.

EEO Policy

Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.