Electro Optical Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in Chantilly, VA is seeking an experienced Electro-Optical Engineer to drive the development of next-generation EO GEOINT mission processing capabilities. The candidate must possess a Top Secret/SCI clearance and substantial experience in Electro-Optical systems. Responsibilities include advancing resiliency initiatives, overseeing software development, and advising government leaders. This role offers a chance to work on critical national security projects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Top Secret/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• Experience in Electro-Optical/EO systems.
• Experience in requirements development.

Responsibilities

• Advance EO resiliency initiatives with IC stakeholders.
• Maintain cognizance across a GEOINT portfolio.
• Oversee software development and alignment with government requirements.
• Advise on architectural decisions and acquisition priorities.
• Develop and coordinate Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).
• Define requirements for GEOINT processing applications.
• Conduct performance assessments and impact analyses.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and design artifacts.

Skills

Electro-Optical/EO GEOINT or Electro-Optical/EO Thread Lead experience

Knowledge or Understanding of advancements in AI/ML

Strong organizational skills

Verbal/written communication skills

Familiarity with MS Office tools

Education

Bachelors with 9 years experience or Masters with 7 years experience or PhD with 4 years experience

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a highly motivated Electro‑Optical (EO) Engineer to join Landmark AOS, SAIC's premier Prime SETA program in Chantilly, VA. Landmark AOS delivers critical Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) expertise to the NRO's Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED)—the organization responsible for designing, acquiring, and integrating the nation's most advanced space and ground systems across the full mission lifecycle.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted technical advisor driving the development and modernization of next‑generation EO GEOINT mission processing capabilities. You will collaborate closely with government leaders, development contractors, and mission partners to shape resilient, high‑performance solutions that directly support national security priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance EO resiliency initiatives by partnering with IC stakeholders to evaluate emerging technologies, identify vulnerabilities, and guide mission‑enhancing solutions.
• Maintain technical cognizance across a broad GEOINT mission processing portfolio—tracking baselines, schedules, dependencies, risks, and cost to ensure program success.
• Oversee Prime Contractor development efforts, providing technical insight and ensuring software development, integration, and testing activities align with government requirements and mission objectives.
• Advise senior and mid‑level government leadership on architectural decisions, investment strategies, acquisition priorities, and risk assessments that shape the future of the Ground Enterprise.
• Develop and coordinate Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for new capabilities, ensuring alignment across stakeholder organizations and mission threads.
• Define enterprise, system, functional, performance, and interface requirements that guide the development of modern, scalable GEOINT processing applications.
• Conduct performance assessments and provide cost, schedule, and risk impact analyses for current and future Ground architecture implementations.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, review technical documentation, and assess design artifacts to ensure alignment with mission needs, technical standards, and acquisition best practices.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. Relevant experience to be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Top Secret/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• Electro-Optical/EO GEOINT or Electro-Optical/EO Thread Lead experience.
• Experience in Electro-Optical/EO systems to include tasking, command & control, collection, mission processing, or dissemination.
• Knowledge or Understanding of advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) capabilities.
• Domain knowledge in Ground Software, Space Development Programs or Mission Operations programs.
• Experience in requirements development and definition activities.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and verbal / written communication skills, able to convey information across multiple customers and corporate audiences.
• Familiarity with MS Office tool suite.