Payload & Mission Engineer – SDA Tracking Architecture

Jobtailor

Alabama

On-site

USD 140,000 - 200,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a senior space systems leader to drive mission architecture for DoD missile warning and tracking programs. You will guide cross‑functional teams, influence SDA decisions, and deliver warfighter capabilities across multiple tranches.

Ideal candidates bring extensive MWTD experience, data-driven leadership, and a current TS/SCI clearance. Travel ~10% and collaboration with DoD and industry partners are required.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering, math, computer science, physics, or other related discipline
12+ years of progressive engineering experience in space systems with leadership and program influence
Relevant, progressive experience in MWTD space vehicle development, test, or space-to-ground system integration
Proven ability to lead cross-functional high-performance teams in fast-paced environments across matrix organizations
Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes through data-driven analysis and build rapport with government customers
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to convey complex tech clearly
Willingness to travel domestically ~10%
Current and active TS/SCI clearance; US citizenship required for clearance
Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in engineering, math, CS, physics, or related discipline
12+ years of specialized MWTD experience in architectures, operations, data processing, and performance assessment
Experience with missile defense sensors and space-based tracking systems (SBIRS/OPIR/API) or related EO/IR sensor phenomenology
Background in signal processing, data fusion, or modeling/simulation tools (STK, EADSIM, AFSIM)
Experience with space architecture concepts (proliferated LEO constellations, inter-satellite links, mesh networks, JADC2) or SDA/MDA architectures
Exposure to agile approaches and rapid acquisition programs (OTA, SpRCO, DIU)
Leadership and customer engagement, mentoring engineers, delivering assessment products to leaders
Multidisciplinary space enterprise knowledge across DoD/IC/Civil/Commercial missions; SDA familiarity valued

Responsibilities

Lead mission architecture development for DoD space-based missile warning and tracking systems
Support the SDA Tracking Cell Director and Tracking Tranche PMs in delivering warfighter capabilities
Advise SDA senior leadership on space architecture investment decisions
Provide Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense leadership across all tranches
Perform architectural modeling, requirements, acquisition support, stakeholder coordination, and system integration
Engage with SDA leaders, FFRDCs, SETAs, UARC staff, DoD, and industry partners
Guide contract execution, performance assessments, technical trades, on-orbit ops planning, and future tranche requirements
Direct technical teams conducting tracking Modeling, simulation, and analysis
Monitor contractor execution and provide systems engineering SME support
Oversee analysis of operational capabilities for missile defense scenarios
Support full mission lifecycle from requirements through on-orbit testing and operations

Job description

Lead mission architecture development for DoD space-based missile warning and tracking systems
Support the SDA Tracking Cell Director and Tracking Tranche Program Managers in delivering warfighter capabilities
Advise SDA senior leadership on space architecture investment decisions
Provide Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense technical leadership across all tranches
Perform architectural modeling, requirements definition, acquisition support, enterprise stakeholder coordination, partner system integration, and warfighter requirements alignment
Engage with SDA leaders, FFRDCs, SETAs, UARC personnel, DoD stakeholders, and industry partners
Guide contract execution, performance assessments, technical trades, on-orbit operations planning, space and ground system integration, technology roadmaps, and future tranche requirements
Direct technical teams conducting Tracking modeling, simulation, and analysis
Monitor contractor execution and provide systems engineering and subject-matter-expert support
Oversee analysis of operational capabilities for missile defense scenarios
Support the full mission lifecycle from requirements definition and contractor oversight through on-orbit testing and operational integration

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering, math, computer science, physics, or other related discipline
12+ years of progressive engineering experience in space systems, with demonstrated growth in technical leadership and program influence
Relevant, progressive experience in Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) space vehicle development, test, and/or space-to-ground system integration
Proven ability to lead cross-functional high-performance teams in fast-paced environments, working effectively across the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group matrix and other program offices
Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes through data-driven analysis while building and maintaining substantive rapport with Aerospace peers and government customers
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizing complex technical concepts clearly and building consensus through persuasive, polished professional communication
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time
Current and active TS/SCI clearance
US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in engineering, math, computer science, physics, or related discipline
12+ years of specialized experience in MWTD systems, architectures, operations, data processing, and performance assessment
Experience with missile defense sensors and space-based tracking systems, such as space-based infrared systems (SBIRS/OPIR/API), or familiarity with related EO/IR sensor phenomenology, tracking algorithms, or mission analysis tools
Background in signal processing, data fusion techniques, or modeling and simulation tools (e.g., STK, EADSIM, AFSIM, or similar)
Experience with space architecture concepts such as proliferated LEO constellations, inter-satellite links, mesh networks, or JADC2 integration, and/or familiarity with MDA/BMDS architectures
Exposure to or experience with rapid acquisition approaches, including agile frameworks, MTA authorities, OTA contracting, or programs like SpRCO, DIU, or similar organizations
Leadership and customer engagement, including mentoring engineers and delivering comprehensive assessment products to senior stakeholders
Multidisciplinary space enterprise knowledge spanning DoD, IC, Civil, and Commercial missions, technologies, and operations, with direct SDA experience and familiarity with SDA Tracking architecture, functional cells, and leadership interactions highly valued

Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive expertise in Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense systems, with a strong focus on space architecture development and integration. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence outcomes through data-driven analysis while effectively communicating complex technical concepts.

Highest-signal resume keywords