Ground Systems Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to provide SME across Space Vehicle and Ground Station integration for a government customer. The role covers production, integration, and testing to guide development and deployment of critical space system capabilities.

The candidate will interact with government and prime contractors, lead MBSE and agile activities, and support key program milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR) in a fast-paced environment. TS/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting government acquisition programs (military, SETA, or civil servant).
• Experience with systems architecture design of spacecraft, payload, and ground systems.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community or DoD satellite programs.
• Experience with satellite system requirements development, design, manufacturing, and test.
• Experience with MBSE, Agile methodologies, and ground software for telemetry or data processing.

Responsibilities

• Act as a technical liaison between government customers and prime contractors for satellite ground station infrastructure.
• Construct and review engineering documents and provide SME support for source selections.
• Support program reviews, design, development, test, and transition to operations.
• Oversee contractor production, integration and test activities and report progress to customers.
• Provide technical input to the System Program Director for strategic capabilities and initiatives.
• Resolve highly complex problems affecting multiple project aspects.
• Lead development of innovative products through collaboration with domain experts.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work status to Government and industry.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree + 18+ years

Master's degree + 16+ years

Tools

MBSE

Telemetry software

Ground software for telemetry/data processing

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI

Job ID 2617945
Location Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted 2026-10-14
Category Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory Systems Engineer
Schedule Full-Time
Shift Day Job
Travel Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain None
Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE
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, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Ground Systems Engineer is responsible for providing subject matter expertise (SME) in all aspects of Space Vehicle and Ground Station infrastructure integration to a government customer. The ideal candidate will have experience in all aspects of the production, integration and test phases of a space system acquisition to guide the development, verification, and deployment of a critical space system.
Job Responsibilities

• Act as a technical liaison between government customers and prime contractors, overseeing the acquisition, development and integration of satellite ground station infrastructure.
• Construct and review engineering documents and provide SME support for source selections.
• Support program reviews, design, development, test, and transition to operations efforts.
• Oversee contractor production and Integration and Test activities and report progress and outcomes to customers.
• Provide technical advice/input to customer’s System Program Director that lays the strategic foundation for critical capabilities and customer’s present and future initiatives.
• Resolve highly complex and multi-dimensional problems requiring consideration of variables that impact multiple aspects of the project/program.
• Lead development of highly innovative products/solutions, achieved through collaboration and dialogue with other experts in the field.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.
  

QualificationsTYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelors and eighteen (18) years or more experience; Masters and sixteen (16) years or more experience; PhD or JD and fifteen years or more experience.

• Experience providing support to a government acquisition program office, in a military, SETA, or civil servant capacity.
• Experience with systems architecture design of spacecraft, payload, and ground systems.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community or the Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.
• Experience with satellite system requirements development, design, manufacturing, and test.
• Experience with MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering), Agile methodologies, and ground software for telemetry or data processing.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
• 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.
• TS/SCI Required.
• Previous SAP experience desired.
  

Target salary range $180,001 - $220,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.