Satellite Communication Engineer

Socket.dev; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is hiring a Systems Engineer for our Space and Intelligence Group in Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on coordinating and guiding ground communications systems for mission-critical spacecraft operations, with emphasis on requirements, architecture, and verification across the lifecycle.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team to ensure system integration and mission success, maintain ICDs/CONOPS, and provide technical oversight to vendors.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with CI Poly.
• Deep knowledge of ground communication subsystems including RF, signal processing, network protocols, and data management techniques.
• Experience with ground terminal architectures across multiple satellite orbits and frequency bands.
• Experience with Government or Commercial satellite programs.
• MBSE methodologies and related tools experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities for the ground communications segment including requirements analysis, architecture development, design reviews, and verification/validation.
• Translate mission requirements into detailed technical specifications and perform system-level trade studies.
• Ensure ground systems meet mission requirements and comply with standards and regulations.
• Provide technical oversight to contractors and vendors to ensure designs meet customer requirements, budgets, and schedules.
• Collaborate with customer to develop system-level requirements, ICDs, and CONOPS.
• Oversee risk assessments and mitigation strategies across the systems engineering lifecycle.
• Oversee integrated system testing, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution.

Skills

TS/SCI Clearance

Communication skills

Education

BS in Electrical/Systems/Aerospace Engineering

MS preferred

Tools

MBSE tools

RF communications

Job description

Join a winning team!! SAIC’s Space and Intelligence Business Group is currently hiring to advance space capabilities supporting our Department of Defense (DOD) and Intelligence Community customers. Ten miles from the SAIC headquarters, our Chantilly, VA team supports systems development, targeting & intelligence analysis, systems engineering & integration and more.

This position is for a Systems Engineer for a large contract supporting a cutting-edge and innovative space program. The Systems Engineer will oversee the coordination, technical guidance, and operational assurance of ground communications systems for mission-critical spacecraft operations. This position provides support to the customers’ execution of the Program with responsibilities that may include, but are not limited to the following:

Role Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities for the ground communications segment, including requirements analysis, architecture development, design reviews, and verification/validation.

• Translate mission requirements into detailed technical specifications and perform system-level trade studies to optimize performance, cost, and risk.

• Ensure ground systems meet mission requirements and comply with applicable standards and regulations.

• Provide technical oversight to contractors and vendors, ensuring designs meet all customer requirements, risk tolerance, budget, and schedule, while assessing technical solutions and recommending Courses of Action (COA).

• Collaborate with the customer to develop and maintain system-level requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and concepts of operations (CONOPS).

• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure system integration and mission success. Foster communication and alignment among team members to identify challenges and corresponding solutions.

• Evaluate prime contractor performance at milestone reviews by analyzing compliance with technical requirements, and quality of deliverables. Offer recommendations to improve project outcomes and likelihood of success.

• Identify and manage risks throughout the systems engineering lifecycle by conducting risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, and monitoring potential impacts on mission objectives.

• Oversee integrated system testing, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution across ground communications infrastructure.

• Hands-on involvement in full lifecycle ground system development from requirements through operations.

• Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance.

• BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM field, with 9 years of experience with a Bachelors or a Masters with 7 years experience.

• Experience in ground communication systems development, operational experience with ground communication systems, or demonstrated aptitude in managing system engineering responsibilities.

• Experience working on a Government or Commercial satellite program.

• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.

• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.

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

• Deep knowledge of ground communication subsystems, including but not limited to RF communications, signal processing, network protocols, and data management techniques.

• Active TS/SCI with CI Poly.

• Experience with ground terminal architectures across multiple satellite orbits and frequency bands.

• Knowledge in ground network operations, SATCOM network management, cybersecurity considerations in ground communications systems.

• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.