Lead Space Systems Architect — Strategy & Innovation

The MITRE Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE is seeking a Lead Space System Engineer to support the NRO XSPO, guiding technical vision, development strategy, and integration of space, ground, and data capabilities. The role emphasizes advancing architecture, evaluation, and transition of emerging technologies for national security missions.

You will lead studies, analyses, and collaborations with government and industry partners to ensure feasible, actionable outcomes within budget and schedule constraints.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience or equivalent combination of related education and work experience in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience in all aspects of space systems engineering, including architecture, engineering design, and engineering analysis.
• Knowledge of core space system segments (space, ground, transport, launch, etc.) at the enterprise, SoS, system, and subsystem levels.
• Ability to clearly explain complex concepts to customers and fellow employees.
• A self-starter able to provide independent evaluation and analysis of emerging sensor technologies and spearhead new efforts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Possess strong organizational, time management and project management skills.
• Ability to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing program office sponsor and customer needs.
• Problem-solving, analytical, and innovation mindset.
• Must have an active Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on‑site.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical guidance as a trusted advisor to the XSPO Technical Director and help shape the full scope of work supporting AS&T’s publicly recognized mission of advancing next-generation overhead intelligence capabilities through research, prototyping, experimentation, and technology transition
• Define and execute technical objectives based on sponsor priorities and mission outcomes, with emphasis on areas where MITRE can provide high-value support to future architecture development, advanced concept evaluation, risk reduction, acquisition, and the maturation of emerging technologies for operational transition
• Translate overall project strategy into clear, actionable outcomes, deliverables, technical assessments, architecture products, and engineering recommendations that support AS&T’s role in shaping future space, ground, communications, and data capabilities
• Identify and integrate relevant research, innovation, and experimentation from across MITRE, including internal research and development programs, to strengthen sponsor decision‑making in areas such as advanced sensors, resilient architectures, autonomy, AI/ML-enabled mission applications, data exploitation, and other mission‑enabling technologies associated with XSPO’s innovation portfolio
• Support the assessment of emerging technologies and mission concepts by leading studies, trade analyses, technical evaluations, and prototype-informed recommendations that help determine feasibility, mission utility, architectural compatibility, and transition potential
• Collaborate with Government officials, FFRDC’s, support contractors and industry to determine future technology development within determined budgets and schedules.

Skills

Space Systems Engineering

System Architecture

Engineering Analysis

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

MITRE is seeking a Lead Space System Engineer to support the NRO XSPO, guiding technical vision, development strategy, and integration of space, ground, and data capabilities. The role emphasizes advancing architecture, evaluation, and transition of emerging technologies for national security missions.

You will lead studies, analyses, and collaborations with government and industry partners to ensure feasible, actionable outcomes within budget and schedule constraints.