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 guidance on Space Vehicle and Ground Station integration for government customers. The role covers production, integration, and test phases of space systems, guiding verification and deployment of critical capabilities.

The ideal candidate has extensive MBSE experience, systems architecture expertise, and a background in DoD satellite programs, with strong leadership and communication skills for senior decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting a government acquisition program (military, SETA, or civil servant capacity).
• Experience with spacecraft, payload, and ground systems architecture design.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community or the DoD Satellite Program Office best practices.
• Experience with satellite system requirements development, design, manufacturing, and test.
• Experience with MBSE, Agile methodologies, and ground software for telemetry or data processing.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team-building and problem-solving skills in a government/contractor environment.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with diverse DoD personnel and industry partners.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

MBSE

Agile methodologies

Systems engineering

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD/JD

Tools

N/A

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 inChantilly, VAsupporting 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.

Qualifications

TYPICAL 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.