Programmatic Space Systems Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in Chantilly, VA seeks a Programmatic Space Systems Engineer to collaborate with Government on cutting-edge space programs. You will guide decision-making, optimize spacecraft subsystems, and mitigate risks throughout development, leveraging knowledge of NRO structures and satellite systems.

The role requires extensive experience in systems engineering, strong communication with senior decision-makers, and ability to work in a fast-paced, government/contractor team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 14+ years in systems engineering or related field.
• Experience providing systems engineering support for satellite systems.
• Ability to operate in dynamic government/contractor environments.
• Clearance: TS/SCI
• SAP experience desirable

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Government Program Managers to guide development and set strategic vision for missions.
• Direct technical architecture planning to adapt spacecraft designs for mission objectives.
• Oversee subsystem development, testing, and integration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Lead IPTs and system milestone reviews to optimize performance and accelerate delivery.
• Develop space system requirements and evaluate vendor solutions in acquisition phase.
• Perform risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies across the lifecycle.
• Support acquisition documentation (CDRLs, SOWs, MPPs) and coordinate with SMEs and stakeholders.
• Review CDRL deliverables for content, accuracy, and alignment with program objectives.
• Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers and COTR.
• Support readiness and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree + 14+ years experience

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Job ID: 2615973

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE

Description

Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

Job Description

This position is for a Programmatic Space Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Programmatic Space Systems Engineer collaborates closely with the Government on a cutting-edge space program, providing guidance for essential decision-making in adapting reusable spacecraft to meet US Space Force mission requirements. The role leverages systems engineering principles to enhance spacecraft subsystems and mitigate technical risks during development. Candidates should possess thorough knowledge of NRO organizational structures, procedures, and satellite systems.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Government Program Managers to provide guidance on development and progress and contribute to the strategic vision for future missions.
• Direct technical architecture planning, identifying essential dependencies to adapt spacecraft designs for successfully meeting mission objectives.
• Work alongside multidisciplinary satellite subsystem teams to oversee subsystem development, testing, and integration activities performed by developers.
• Engage in Developer-led Integrated Product Teams (IPT) and system milestone reviews, offering strategic recommendations to optimize system performance and accelerate delivery timelines.
• Develop space system requirements and evaluates vendor solutions in the acquisition phase.
• Perform risk assessments and execute mitigation strategies throughout the systems engineering lifecycle to preserve mission integrity and support program success.
• Support acquisition documentation development (CDRLs, SOWs, MPPs, etc) related to satellite systems.
• Support Contract Officer Technical Representatives (COTRs) and Developers by coordinating with other acquisition domain SMEs and program stakeholders to develop, modify, and maintain contract documentation.
• Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, accuracy, and sufficiency to meet program requirements and objectives.
• Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers and COTR.
• Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness.

Resolve highly complex and multi-dimensional problems requiring consideration of variables that impact multiple aspects of the project/program.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
• Experience providing systems engineering support and technical guidance in the acquisition, development, and deployment of satellite systems.
• Ability to work in a very dynamic environment and effectively interact with numerous DOD, military/civilian personnel and industry partners.
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
• TS/SCI required.
• Previous SAP experience desired.

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