Ground Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

SAIC seeks a Ground Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to integrate ground solutions for space programs, ensuring mission success through command and control and mission management of satellite systems.

The role involves early acquisition studies, vendor evaluation, and overseeing development, verification, and deployment of ground systems in a fast-paced environment with senior government interfaces.

Qualifications

• Bachelors with 14+ years of experience or Masters with 12+ years in relevant space programs.
• Experience with satellite ground systems focused on mission management and command & control.
• Proven systems engineering guidance across acquisition, development, and deployment of ground systems.
• Ability to interact with DOD personnel and industry partners in a dynamic environment.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required; SAP experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop ground requirements and evaluate vendor solutions during acquisition.
• Support verification, validation, and deployment of ground solutions to operations.
• Collaborate on ICDs, interface maturation, and new interfaces for mission closure.
• Identify technical and programmatic risks and coordinate mitigation with contractor teams.
• Conduct trade studies to refine requirements for future satellite capabilities.
• Prepare documentation for readiness reviews and program milestones.
• Communicate status through documents and briefings to Government and industry.

Skills

Satellite ground systems

Mission management

Command and control

Systems engineering guidance

Acquisition support

Stakeholder collaboration

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree +14+ years

Master's degree +12+ years

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 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 Ground Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VAsupporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Ground Engineer is focused on acquiring and integrating ground solutions to ensure mission success.The ground solutions include command and control and mission management of satellite systems.The efforts will include evaluation of ground solutions, support in early acquisition, studies, and oversight of the development and integration of ground systems.The ideal candidate will have experience in mission management, command and control, and mission integration of ground systems of a space system acquisition to guide the development, verification, deployment, and operations of a critical space system.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop ground requirements and evaluate vendor solutions in the acquisition phase
• Support verification, validation, and deployment to operations of ground solutions.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders on ICDs, interface maturation, inclusion of new interfaces in support of mission closure
• Identify and assess emerging technical and programmatic risks related to the ground systems and collaborate with system contractor team(s) to develop and evaluate mitigation strategies
• 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.

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 with satellite ground systems specifically related to mission management and command and control.
• 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 required.
• Previous SAP experience desired.

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