Senior Engineer, SSC/SW

Space Systems Command

Chantilly (VA)

Hybrid

USD 142,000 - 195,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

Space Systems Command in Chantilly, VA seeks a Senior Engineer to lead lifecycle defense space programs, acting as a technical authority and executive-level advisor across DoD and the Air Force.

The role requires advanced engineering credentials, broad Systems Engineering experience, and the ability to direct acquisition activities while maintaining security clearances and readiness reviews.

Qualifications

Professional degree in engineering from an accredited institution.
Extensive full-lifecycle systems engineering experience in defense/aerospace.
Experience guiding acquisition reviews and executive-level briefings.

Responsibilities

Lead programs from concept through production and fielding, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Chair and guide technical working groups; coordinate across agencies and industry partners.
Provide strategic guidance to top executives on complex system architectures and tradeoffs.
Direct multidisciplinary teams in cybersecurity, software, RF, reliability, and assurance domains.

Skills

Systems engineering

Acquisition management

Technical leadership

Education

Professional engineering degree (ABET-accredited)

Job description

Key Responsibilities

The United States Space Force (USSF) in Chantilly, VA is searching for a Senior Engineer to support SSC/SW (NH-0801-04, GS-14/15 Equivalent). Description: In this high-impact senior engineering role, you will serve as a principal technical leader and consultant overseeing the development, production, and long-term sustainment of vital defense space programs across the Department of Defense, the United States Air Force, and the United States Space Force.

You will apply advanced, multidisciplinary engineering principles to solve complex, unprecedented technical challenges, evaluate cutting-edge technological advancements, and provide authoritative recommendations directly to senior executive leadership regarding the strategic continuation, redirection, or integration of major defense systems.

Acting as a collaborative bridge across military branches, defense agencies, and commercial aerospace industry partners, you will direct technical working groups, resolve controversial engineering issues, and lead crucial acquisition and readiness reviews to safeguard mission success and preserve operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness.

To excel in this executive technical capacity, candidates should possess a professional degree in engineering from an accredited institution and bring extensive, full-lifecycle systems engineering and technical program management experience within complex defense or aerospace environments.

The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional communication skills to defend technical positions, build cross-organizational consensus, and translate intricate technical trade-offs into decisive strategic guidance for top-level officials.

Candidates must possess or be capable of obtaining and maintaining a Top-Secret security clearance, pass random drug testing, satisfy annual confidential financial disclosure reporting, and be prepared for occasional military or commercial air travel.

Additionally, the selected professional will be required to obtain advanced professional credentials, including third-tier certification in information assurance management within twelve months of appointment, as well as fulfill highest-level certification requirements established by the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act in fields such as systems engineering or test and evaluation.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate is an engineering authority in space and missile systems possessing an advanced degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and extensive full-lifecycle systems engineering and defense acquisition experience within Space Systems Command, the United States Space Force, or broader national security space environments.

As a senior technical leader and systems engineering and configuration management process owner, they bring proven experience directing programs from concept exploration and design reviews through production, testing, and operational fielding while ensuring operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness.

The candidate demonstrates significant experience tailoring formal Request for Proposal instructions, evaluating source selections, and serving as a voting representative on Acquisition Strategy Panels, Failure Review Boards, and Independent Program Assessment reviews.

Additionally, they possess the technical breadth to direct multidisciplinary working groups spanning cybersecurity and information assurance, radio frequency spectrum management, mission assurance, reliability engineering, software development, and parts, materials, and processes.

Holding senior defense acquisition workforce credentials in engineering and technical management or recognized professional engineering certifications, the ideal candidate has a documented track record of advising executive and flag-level leadership on high-impact, precedent-setting technical decisions and integrating complex multi-agency systems architectures.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Space Systems Command, Department of the Air Force.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $142488-195200/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-11.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.