Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Systems Engineer (Technical Oversight)

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,001 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Systems Engineer (Technical Oversight) in Chantilly, VA to provide critical technical oversight for advanced national security space missions. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in multi‑body dynamics and orbit determination for tracking cislunar objects.

Role requires active TS/SCI with current poly, experience in satellite ground systems, and the ability to work in a dynamic government/contractor team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 14+ years experience or Masters with 12+ years experience.
• Active TS/SCI with current Polygraph required.
• Experience with satellite ground systems and acquisition environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop system level requirements and design features.
• Lead lifecycle engineering reviews to verify specs meet customer needs.
• Review CDLLRs, SOWs, and program plans for technical adequacy.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings between developers and contractors.
• Evaluate contractor architectures and assess data sources for ground systems.
• Provide SME guidance to multiple divisions and stakeholders.
• Support readiness and major program reviews for ground systems.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements development

Architecture design

Technical oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

DoD/DAWIA processes

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 decision makers, 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 Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Systems Engineer (Technical Oversight) in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting‑edge and innovative space programs. The Cislunar SDA Systems Engineer (Technical Oversight) is a subject matter expert (SME) providing critical technical oversight and advisory support for advanced national security space missions. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in complex multi‑body dynamics and advanced orbit determination techniques required for tracking, characterizing, and maintaining custody of objects in the cislunar regime.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of system level requirements for assigned systems and the design features that satisfy these requirements.
• Support full lifecycle engineering reviews to demonstrate the design meets all specifications and customer requirements.
• Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, technical accuracy, and sufficiency of design details to meet program requirements and objectives.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings between developers and contractors.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and review technical reports, design artifacts, and program plans.
• Serve as a system engineering liaison to other divisions in the SPO.
• Conduct trade studies to define and refine requirements for future satellite capabilities.
• Support acquisition documentation development (CDRLs, SOWs, MPPs, etc.) related to ground systems.
• Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness.
• Resolve highly complex and multi‑dimensional problems requiring consideration of variables that impact multiple aspects of the project/program.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.
• Evaluate contractor system architectures.
• Assess the utility and integration of commercial SDA data sources.
• Support the transition of next‑generation cislunar capabilities into operational enterprise frameworks.

Qualifications

• TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) 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 ground 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.