Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer

Science Applications International Corp.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) in Aurora, Colorado seeks a Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer to drive mission-critical engineering for IC and DoD space programs.

You will collaborate with government civilians and contractors on advanced space initiatives. Key duties include rapid optical and trajectory analysis, STK-based modeling, ICD development, and automation with Python or MATLAB.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or mathematics with 9+ years of IC/DoD space program experience.
• Active Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI with Poly.
• Experience with STK, satellite missions, and orbital mechanics.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with IC/DoD/National Security Space architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead rapid optical and trajectory analysis for satellite systems.
• Use STK to model access constraints and support mission requirements.
• Develop and maintain ICDs for spacecraft and ground systems.
• Create tools and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB.
• Support system integration, testing, and documentation.
• Manage ICWGs and ensure stakeholder communication.
• Develop acquisition and technical briefing materials for government decisions.

Skills

Mission analysis

Satellite communications

Leadership

STK experience

Python/MATLAB

Orbital modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or mathematics

Master’s degree in aerospace or related field

Tools

Systems Tool Kit (STK)

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Description

SAIC’s National Security and Space Sector (NSS) seeks a Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer to drive mission-critical engineering and analytical solutions for joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) space programs. Based in Aurora, Colorado, you’ll join a collaborative team of U.S. Government civilians and contractors, working on the nation’s most advanced space and counter-space initiatives.

Why SAIC?

• Work on “crown jewel” programs with direct impact on national security and space operations.
• Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in physics, math, RF, optics, space acquisition, operations, and intelligence analysis.
• Engage in deep-technical work that shapes program development and operational excellence.
• Identify and mitigate interface risks, driving technical issue resolution across engineering teams.
• Support system integration and test activities, providing authoritative documentation and clarification.
• Manage Interface Control Working Groups (ICWGs) and ensure consistent stakeholder communication.
• Develop acquisition and technical requirements-related briefings, plans, and documentation for government decision-making.
• Champion continuous learning and adoption of cutting-edge tools, technologies, and practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead rapid optical and trajectory analysis for satellite systems, supporting mission planning and performance assessments.
• Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) to apply provided access constraints and perform simple sensor modeling to support technical analysis and assessment of mission requirements.
• Develop and maintain Satellite Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for spacecraft, ground systems, payloads, and cross-system interfaces.
• Serve, and maintaining alignment with project objectives and schedules
• Develop new tools, scripts and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB to enhance analysis efficiency.
• Maintain understanding of U.S. Space Domain (SDA) capabilities and counter threats.
• Develop productive relationships with Program Office, Prime and Subcontract, functional IC or DoD counterparts and other SME
• Execute link budgets for satellite communication systems, optimizing signal-to-noise ratio, interference, and power allocations.
• Identify and mitigate interface risks, driving technical issue resolution across engineering teams.
• Support system integration and test activities, providing authoritative documentation and clarification.
• Manage Interface Control Working Groups (ICWGs) and ensure consistent stakeholder communication.
• Develop acquisition and technical requirements-related briefings, plans, and documentation for government decision-making.
• Champion continuous learning and adoption of cutting-edge tools, technologies, and practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in physics, Engineering, or Mathematics and 9 or more years (9 or more with a Masters) of direct experience with the space segment of IC or DoD programs
• Professional experience in mission analysis, satellite communications, or a related technical field, with progressive responsibility in leadership or team coordination role
• Must have Active Top Secret Clearance-Must be able to obtain TS/SCI with Poly
• Familiarity with satellite mission operations & orbital mechanics
• Experience with orbit & sensor modeling and access assessments using Systems Tool Kit (STK)
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting complex technical information to diverse stakeholder groups
• Familiarity with National Security Space architecture (IC and/or DoD)

Strongly Desired Skills

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience
• Experience in satellite development factory or space system program office (SPO), particularly with Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) systems
• In-depth knowledge of optical payloads, including telescope systems, sensors, and imaging technologies.
• Understanding of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) techniques
• Working knowledge of radar and/or optical technologies
• Strong understanding of satellite communication principles, including link budget analysis, signal-to-noise ratio, and RF propagation
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and analysis
• Strong understanding of satellite communication principles, including link budget analysis,

What Sets You Apart

• Problem-solving mindset, leveraging analytical expertise and innovative thinking.
• Proactive communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical requirements into actionable solutions.
• Dedication to mission success, adapting to dynamic requirements and tight deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous learning and technical excellence.

Work Environment

• On-site in Aurora, Colorado (secure facility).
• Minimal travel required.
• Standard working hours.
• Work life balance signal-to-noise ratio, and RF propagation

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