Satellite Subsystem Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Satellite Subsystem Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to support DoD/IC space programs. The role requires leadership in subsystem design, integration, and qualification across lifecycle stages, with a focus on government flight system readiness and mission assurance.

The position involves collaboration with IPTs, government program offices, and developer teams to ensure timely delivery and risk mitigation for critical satellite capabilities.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• Expertise in spacecraft design and at least one satellite subsystem.
• Strong systems engineering experience for space systems.
• Hands-on pre-launch integration testing and verification experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Government Program Office focal point for satellite subsystem development and operations.
• Participate in IPTs and system milestones to advise on performance and delivery timelines.
• Partner with Developer engineers to share data and ideas that benefit the program.
• Oversee test campaigns, review results, and verify requirement validation evidence.
• Liaise with SETA SMEs and Mission Engineers to analyze designs, tests, and telemetry.
• Explain how subsystem developments satisfy mission requirements and schedules.
• Report risks and issues that could impact mission performance or launch timelines.
• Track subsystem progress in weekly meetings at Mission, Enterprise, and System levels.
• Potential to become a mission-critical Government flight system lead for satellite safeguarding operations.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Spacecraft design

Systems engineering

Pre-launch integration testing

Education

Bachelor's degree + 9y experience or Master's + 7y

Job description

Description

SAIC's Air Force, Space and Intelligence Business Group is growing and looking for innovative, mission-driven professionals to help us advance cutting-edge space capabilities for our Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Embark on a rewarding career just ten miles from SAIC headquarters, as part of our Chantilly, VA team supporting essential programs in systems development, targeting & intelligence analysis, systems engineering & integration, and beyond.

We are seeking a Satellite Subsystem Systems Engineer to serve as a team member on a state-of-the-art space program that continuously operates in all phases of the system lifecycle. In this SETA role, you oversee design, integration, and test of one or more satellite subsystems.

Key Responsibilities

In this highly collaborative and technically complex position, you will:

• Serve as the Government Program Office's focal point for all satellite subsystem development and operations activities.
• Actively participate in Developer-led Integrated Product Teams (IPT) and system milestones, offering recommendations to enhance system performance and accelerate delivery timelines.
• Partner with Developer engineers for the assigned satellite subsystem to establish a trusted relationship of sharing data and win-win ideas that benefit the program.
• Represent the Government to oversee test campaigns, review test results, and accept requirement validation evidence.
• Liaise with SETA Subject Matter Experts (SME) to analyze designs, test results, and operational telemetry.
• Liaise with SETA Mission Engineers to convey how subsystem developments satisfy mission requirements and schedules.
• Proactively report risks and issues that could result in reduced mission performance, requirement verification shortfalls, or schedule slips impacting launch schedules.
• Track and report subsystem development progress in weekly Mission-level, Enterprise-level, and System-level meetings held by the Government Program Office.
• Opportunity to become proficient in all subsystem operational performance to serve as a mission critical Government flight system lead advising on satellite safeguarding operations.

Qualifications

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.

To excel in this role, you must possess:

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Expertise in spacecraft design and engineering, with proficiency in at least one satellite subsystem (e.g., structures and mechanisms, electrical power, attitude and orbit control, thermal control, command and data handling, propulsion) and a keen interest in rapidly learning others.
• Strong system engineering experience, particularly in spacecraft design, development, and implementation.
• Hands-on experience with pre-launch integration testing and functionality checkout of spacecraft systems.
• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 9 years of experience, or a Master's degree with 7 years of experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Additional qualifications that set you apart include:
• 6+ years of experience as a satellite developer, supplier, or SETA working on DoD or IC satellite programs.
• 2+ years of experience in multiple satellite subsystems or spacecraft C2 operations.
• Why Join SAIC?

At SAIC, we empower employees to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver precise solutions. Join us in shaping the future of space technology and supporting some of the nation’s most vital intelligence and defense initiatives.

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