Mission Operations Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks a Mission Operations Engineer to provide SETA support for a next-generation space program in Chantilly, VA. You will help monitor satellite operations, assist in planning, and coordinate across government and contractor teams to maintain mission readiness.

Candidates should have a technical degree with 3+ years of satellite or mission operations experience and be willing to travel domestically. Clearances: TS/SCI with Polygraph is preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of satellite systems operations and mission support activities.
• Experience monitoring system performance and operational readiness.
• Ability to coordinate across government and contractor teams.

Responsibilities

• Monitor satellite system performance and support day-to-day mission operations.
• Provide SETA support to government stakeholders in planning and executing satellite operations.
• Identify, track, and resolve system issues and anomalies with teams.
• Develop operational assessments, status summaries, and leadership briefings.
• Coordinate across organizations to support mission execution and stakeholder engagement.
• Travel domestically as required.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field

Master's degree in a related technical field

High school diploma/GED with extensive satellite/mission operations experience

Job description

SAIC is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a dynamic, next-generation space program in Chantilly, VA . This role supports mission operations for innovative satellite constellations and advanced space capabilities, working closely with government, contractor, and operational partners. The position is mission-focused, highly collaborative, and directly impacts national space mission readiness and performance.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor satellite system performance and support day-to-day mission operations, including readiness, initialization, checkout, and transition to operational status.
• Provide SETA support to government stakeholders in planning, coordinating, and executing satellite system operations and mission activities.
• Assist in identifying, tracking, and resolving system issues and anomalies in coordination with government, contractor, and operational teams.
• Support analysis of operational issues, risks, dependencies, and performance trends; clearly communicate impacts and recommended actions to leadership.
• Develop and contribute to operational assessments, status summaries, briefings, reports, and other documentation related to system health, readiness, and mission impacts.
• Coordinate across government, contractor, and mission partner organizations to support mission execution, operational alignment with objectives, and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Provide general technical, analytical, and coordination support in a dynamic operations environment, managing multiple priorities and stakeholder inputs.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field and 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree in a related technical field and 3+ years of relevant experience; OR High school diploma/GED and 9+ years of directly relevant satellite operations or mission operations experience in lieu of a degree.

Knowledge of satellite systems operations and mission support activities (e.g., initialization, checkout, routine operations, anomaly resolution).

• Experience monitoring system performance and supporting operational readiness and mission execution.
• Demonstrated ability to support identification, tracking, and resolution of system issues and anomalies in collaboration with government and contractor teams.
• Experience providing technical, analytical, and coordination support for operational activities, status reporting, and leadership updates.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to assess system status, operational impacts, risks, and clearly communicate findings to leadership and mission partners.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting NRO, IC, or DoD space or ground systems operations.
• Background in mission operations, satellite command and control, or spacecraft engineering.
• Prior SETA experience supporting government program offices or operations centers.
• Experience with operational procedures development, mission planning, or readiness assessments.
• Familiarity with anomaly resolution processes, root-cause analysis, and corrective action tracking.
• Experience working in highly integrated, multi-contractor and government environments.

Clearance Requirements:

Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is required.Must be able to maintain clearance eligibility for continued employment.

Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily performed in an office and/or operations center environment.Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer or operations console.Ability to participate in meetings, briefings, and potential shift or surge support during critical operations periods, as required.

2026.10.2