Communications Systems Engineer / Designated Authorizing Official (DAO) Representative

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

Job summary

SAIC is seeking an experienced Communications Systems Engineer to serve as a designated official representative providing onsite SETA support to the NRO in Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on communications, network, and cryptographic systems acquisition and security authorization activities for national space missions.

Responsibilities include planning, monitoring, and oversight of acquisitions; leading risk management and RMF activities; producing technical documents and briefings for

Qualifications

• 13+ years of relevant experience; or a BS in Engineering, CS, IS, Physics, Math and 9+ years; or MS and 7+ years; or PhD/JD and 4+ years.
• Experience supporting communications, network, and/or cryptographic systems for space or satellite programs.
• Familiarity with RMF, information security policies and standards, and security authorization/ATO processes.
• Familiarity with NRO organization, processes, and satellite systems.
• Ability to travel domestically as required (approximately once per month).

Responsibilities

• Support the System Program Office in planning, executing, monitoring, and overseeing communications, network, and crypto acquisitions across multiple satellite programs.
• Lead and coordinate day-to-day risk management and security authorization activities for information systems; help accelerate PCRs, ATOs, and RMF actions.
• Develop and deliver technical documents, status reports, and briefings to Government and industry stakeholders.
• Support COTRs by coordinating with acquisition SMEs and program stakeholders to develop, modify, and maintain contract documentation.
• Review CDRL deliverables for technical content, accuracy, and sufficiency against program requirements.
• Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings to resolve issues and drive program success.
• Travel domestically up to once per month to support reviews and engagements.

Skills

RMF Knowledge

Security Policy

Briefing Skills

Technical Writing

Travel Flexibility

Education

BS in Engineering

MS in related field

PhD/JD (optional)

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking an experienced Communications Systems Engineer to serve as a Designated Authorizing Official (DAO) Representative providing onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support to an SAIC prime program at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA. This role supports multiple NRO satellite systems—both onorbit and in development—and focuses on communications, network, and cryptographic systems acquisition and security authorization activities that enable critical national space missions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support the System Program Office (SPO) in planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of communications, network, and crypto acquisitions across multiple satellite programs.
• Lead and coordinate day‑to‑day risk management and security authorization activities for information systems; help accelerate PCRs, ATOs, and RMF actions.
• Develop and deliver technical documents, status reports, and briefings to Government and industry stakeholders.
• Support Contracting Officer’s Technical Representatives (COTRs) by coordinating with acquisition SMEs and program stakeholders to develop, modify, and maintain contract documentation.
• Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables for technical content, accuracy, and sufficiency against program requirements and objectives.
• Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers, COTRs, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and drive program success.
• Travel domestically up to once per month to support reviews, meetings, and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications

• 13 years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline and 9+ years of relevant experience; OR
• Master’s degree in a related field and 7+ years of relevant experience; OR
• PhD or JD and 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience supporting communications, network, and/or cryptographic systems for space, satellite, or other complex mission systems, including how such systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested.
• Demonstrated experience with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and information security policies and standards, including support to security authorization/ATO processes.
• Familiarity with NRO organization, processes, and satellite systems.
• Ability to travel domestically as required (approximately once per month).

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph.
• Must be eligible for and maintain required security clearance and polygraph for the duration of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience serving as, or directly supporting, a Designated Authorizing Official (DAO)/Authorizing Official Representative (AOR) or equivalent security authorization role within the IC or DoD.
• Direct SETA or FFRDC experience supporting NRO, NGA, NSA, or other Intelligence Community space programs.
• Hands‑on experience with satellite communications architectures, space/ground interfaces, and secure networks.
• Experience with CDRLs, acquisition documentation, and working closely with COTRs and program managers on major ACAT or IC equivalent programs.
• Strong briefing and technical writing skills with the ability to communicate complex technical and risk topics to senior Government stakeholders.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work on site in an office environment at Government and SAIC facilities in Chantilly, VA.
• Ability to use standard office equipment (e.g., computers, phones, printers) and participate in meetings, briefings, and technical reviews.
• Ability to travel by air and ground transportation for domestic trips (up to once per month).

2026.10.2

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