Communications and Data Transport Engineer

Saic; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Saic is looking for a Communications and Data Transport Engineer in Chantilly, VA to support innovative space programs. This role involves developing technical approaches for mission acquisition and delivery of critical capabilities.

Responsibilities include advising on architectural options, guiding satellite programs, and fostering communication with government personnel. Candidates should have extensive experience and familiarity with both government processes and technical solutions in space systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelors and 14+ years, or Masters and 12+ years, or PhD/JD and 9+ years of experience.
• Comfortable across a broad range of technical domains.
• TS/SCI required; Poly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop solution data transport approaches and implementation roadmaps.
• Support trade study evaluations and acquisitions.
• Partner with program managers for satellite program strategies.

Skills

Government acquisition processes

End-to-end technical solutions

Modeling and simulation analysis

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelors degree

Masters degree (12 years experience)

PhD or JD (9 years experience)

Tools

Presentation software

Modeling and simulation tools

Job description

Description

Join a mission driven effort 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 Communications and Data Transport Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting innovative space programs. The Communications and Data Transport Engineer provides the technical expertise to enable mission acquisition, integration, and deployment. This includes development of technical approaches, roadmaps, and strategies that allow the government team to integrate new technologies and allow for a pathway to timely delivery of the capability to space. In partnership with the Government leadership, Satellite Program Office Technical Advisor, and SPO technical team, the Communications and Data Transport Engineer advises on architectural options and solutions that enable delivery of critical mission technology. This position encompasses strategic and tactical advice, hands‑on roadmap and strategy development, thorough understanding of modeling and simulation that enables the government to guide the successful acquisition and operations of a critical space program.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and advise on solution data transport, including technical approaches and implementation roadmaps tailored to customer needs.
• Support the development and evaluation of trade studies.
• Work with the government team to develop overarching acquisition, integration, and fielding strategies.
• Partner with the Government Military Leader and Program Managers to strategically and tactically guide nationally critical satellite programs through acquisition, engineering, and operational trades to achieve on‑time launch and on‑orbit performance.
• Develop technical materials (roadmaps, integration strategies, etc.) for senior leadership reflecting deep analysis of alternative views and options. Facilitate meetings with SMEs across the program to collect input and develop selectable options.
• Liaise with Prime Developer leadership to maximize information flow with Government leadership. Communicate Government priorities and concerns to Developers. Respond to help needed requests from Developers to cultivate win‑win relationships.
• Foster communication and alignment among team members to identify challenges and corresponding solutions.
• Identify and manage risks throughout the acquisition and systems engineering lifecycle by conducting risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, and monitoring potential impacts on mission objectives.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Familiarity with government acquisition processes and proposal development lifecycles.
• Ability to develop end‑to‑end technical solutions across complex, multi‑disciplinary problem sets in Space Systems.
• Comfortable operating across a broad range of technical domains.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community or the Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.
• Ability to analyze and assess modeling and simulation results to develop into a broader strategy.
• Effective interpersonal skills (across multiple groups, offices, and organizations) and strong briefing and writing skills.
• 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.
• TS/SCI Required. Poly preferred or ability to obtain a Poly.
• Previous SAP experience desired.