Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer

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

Job summary

SAIC seeks a Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer in Aurora, CO to drive mission-critical IC/DoD space programs. You will lead trajectory analyses, build STK-based models, and develop ICDs for cross-system interfaces while coordinating with government and contractor teams.

The role requires a physics/engineering/math background with 9+ years of space program experience and active TS clearance (TS/SCI with poly preferred). On-site work with clearances and secure facilities in Colorado.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or mathematics with 9+ years of direct IC/DoD space program experience
• Active Top Secret clearance or ability to obtain TS/SCI with poly
• Experience in mission analysis, satellite communications, and leadership or team coordination

Responsibilities

• Lead rapid optical and trajectory analysis for satellite systems and mission planning
• Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) to apply access constraints and perform simple sensor modeling
• Develop and maintain Satellite ICDs for spacecraft, ground systems, payloads, and interfaces
• Develop tools and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB to improve analysis efficiency
• Support system integration and test activities and produce authoritative documentation

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Satellite communications

Link budget analysis

Python

MATLAB

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or mathematics

Tools

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.

REQNUMBER: 2618779

SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability