Programmatic Spacecraft Systems Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is looking for a Programmatic Spacecraft Systems Engineer to support innovative space programs in Chantilly, VA. The role requires a Bachelor's degree and extensive experience in satellite systems engineering, particularly in government acquisition programs. Candidates must navigate complex challenges and have an active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities include defining requirements, evaluating contractor performance, and providing technical support to government customers. Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of national defense innovation.

Qualifications

• 14+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering.
• Experience with satellite system requirements and design.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with current Poly required.

Responsibilities

• Define spacecraft requirements for design through launch.
• Evaluate contractor performance at milestone reviews.
• Support system development and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Satellite systems engineering background

Government acquisition program experience

Interpersonal and leadership skills

Communication with diverse audiences

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

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.

SAIC is seeking self‑directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well‑prepared to excel.

Job Description

This position is for a Programmatic Spacecraft Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting‑edge and innovative space programs. The Spacecraft Engineer will work daily on‑site with the Government to provide advice and guidance on technical and programmatic aspects of a critical space system.

Job Responsibilities

• Define requirements to ensure the spacecraft operates seamlessly, from design through manufacturing, testing, and launch.
• Provide Government with recommended inputs and courses of action for technical and programmatic topics.
• Foster communication and alignment among team members to identify challenges and corresponding solutions.
• Evaluate prime contractor performance at milestone reviews ensuring compliance with technical requirements, and quality of deliverables.
• Support system development from initial requirements verification through mission design, prototype development, and test.
• Serve as the main technical point of contact, leading reviews, and translating customer needs into actionable engineering requirements.
• Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities.
• Support verification, validation, and test planning.
• Provide technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs at major milestone reviews to assess progress, risks and issues, and the ability to achieve mission requirements.
• Provide technical support to Government customer activities and programmatic processes.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.

Qualifications

• TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience.
• Bachelors degree is required. Masters degree is preferred.
• Demonstrated strong satellite systems engineering background.
• Major government acquisition program experience.
• Experience with space systems, including development of concept of operations, mission threads, and collaboration with stakeholders on interfaces; ability to conduct trade studies, define interfaces, and work with the developer to mature interface requirements.
• Ability to absorb extensive technical detail and logically formulate solutions for execution on an inflexible schedule, often requiring integration of conflicting and, at times, incomplete data.
• Knowledge and application of Systems Engineering processes and functions.
• Systems engineering and system integration experience.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community or the Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.
• Experience with satellite system requirements development, design, manufacturing, and test.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem‑solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
• 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.
• Active TS/SCI with current Poly Required.
• Previous SAP experience Preferred.

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability