Mission Analyst/Deputy IPT Lead

Saic; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 160,001 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Space Mission Analysis Lead in Denver, Colorado. You will work on critical Defense programs, leading multidisciplinary teams and performing detailed mission analyses of satellite systems.

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience with IC or DoD satellite programs, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. The target salary range is $160,001 - $200,000, reflecting the significant impact of this role.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of experience with IC or DoD programs.
• Professional experience in mission analysis or satellite communications.
• Active TS/SCI Clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform optical analysis for satellite systems.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
• Develop link budgets for satellite communications.

Skills

Problem-solving mindset

Proactive communication

Technical expertise

Collaboration skills

Ability to meet tight deadlines

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Systems Tool Kit (STK)

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Space Mission Analysis Lead to join the National Security and Space Sector (NSS). You would work on a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) crown jewel program providing highly specialized space/counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services from Aurora, Colorado. We support the Nation’s leading edge IC and DoD space programs and offer compelling, deep-technical work that has direct influence and impact on program development and operations. Our team has Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across a variety of disciplines, including physics, math, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Have experience with IC and/or DoD satellite system development or operations
• Approach technical challenges with a problem‑solving mindset, leveraging analytical expertise, innovative thinking, and engineering best practices.
• Exhibit proactive communication, collaboration, and leadership skills to effectively contribute to cross‑functional teams of engineers, scientists, and government stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a strong ability to translate complex technical requirements into practical, actionable solutions for space mission design and operations.
• Show dedication to mission success by adapting to dynamic requirements, tight deadlines, and shifting priorities while maintaining a strong focus on technical excellence.
• Remain committed to continuous learning, adopting cutting‑edge tools, technologies, and practices to support and enhance space mission capabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform rapid optical analysis for satellite systems, including the evaluation of line‑of‑sight and visibility conditions to support mission planning, trajectory analysis, operations, and performance assessments.
• Lead and align a multidisciplinary team of senior specialists with diverse working styles and strong technical opinions; build consensus and de‑conflict competing technical priorities.
• Develop and execute quick‑look link budgets for satellite communication systems, considering factors such as signal‑to‑noise ratio, interference, attenuation, and power allocations.
• Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) to apply provided access constraints and perform simple sensor modeling to support technical analysis and assessment of mission requirements.
• Serve as Deputy IPT Lead (with a path to IPT Lead), supporting the lad in managing team activities, coordinating technical deliverables, and maintaining alignment with project objectives & schedules.
• Provide technical coordination to a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the successful execution of key tasks related to mission analysis, system design, and performance modeling.
• Act as a point of contact for technical and programmatic queries, addressing stakeholder concerns and escalating issues to senior leadership as necessary.
• Support the production of detailed technical assessments and recommendations for various external customers.
• Develop new tools, scripts, and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB to enhance analysis efficiency.
• Maintain understanding of U.S. Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities, as well as Foreign SDA capabilities and counter‑space threats.
• Stay updated on advancements in optical systems, communication technologies, and space mission design to inform current and future mission analyses.
• Frequently interact with program managers, SETAs, FFRDCs and external stakeholders.
• Develop productive relationships with the Program Office, Prime, and Subcontract counterparts, functional IC or DoD counterparts, and other SMEs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics and 9 or more years (7 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.
• Active TS/SCI Clearance with Special Access eligibility and consent to a Counter Intelligence (CI) polygraph. US Citizenship is required.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• 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.
• Previous experience as an IPT Lead, Deputy IPT Lead, or similar technical leadership role within space programs.

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.
• Familiarity with National Security Space architecture (IC and/or DoD).

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