Senior/SME Space Based Sensing Engineer – AMTI Program

Astrion; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is looking for a Senior/SME Space Based Sensing Engineer in Chantilly, VA. This full-time position involves providing SETA support for a government program on space-based radar systems. You'll engage with government and industry leaders to offer technical and mission insight throughout the project lifecycle. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in aerospace or defense and possess relevant technical degrees. Strong communication skills are essential. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense programs.
• Demonstrated experience across the full system lifecycle.
• Strong background in space-based ISR systems and radar systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent technical assessment of contractor designs.
• Support systems engineering lifecycle activities.
• Evaluate radar payload performance and modeling.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Electrical Engineering

Physics

Space-based ISR systems

Radar systems

RF payloads

Model-Based Systems Engineering

SysML tools

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field

Tools

Cameo/MagicDraw

Tableau

Confluence

Jira

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Senior/SME Space Based Sensing Engineer - AMTI Program

Location: Chantilly, VA

Job Status: Full-time

Clearance: TS/SCI with CIPoly

Travel: As needed

Astrion is seeking Senior and Subject Matter Expert Engineers to provide SETA (Systems Engineering & Technical Assistance) support to a government program office responsible for the development and deployment of a space-based Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) system. This role places you at the center of a high‑visibility, fast‑paced program, working directly with government leadership and industry partners to ensure mission success. You will provide independent technical assessment, systems engineering expertise, and mission‑focused insight across the full lifecycle from design through launch and early operations. If you are a technically strong engineer who thrives in a government advisory role, understands how to bridge government and industry, and wants to contribute to a next‑generation space‑based radar mission, we encourage you to apply.

Required Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (Master’s or PhD preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, space systems, or defense programs
• Demonstrated experience across the full system lifecycle (requirements, design, integration, test, and operations)
• Strong background in space‑based ISR systems, radar systems, or RF payloads
• Experience with one or more of the following:
  • Radar system design or radar signal processing
  • RF payload development and production testing
  • Performance modeling and estimation (e.g., detection, tracking, coverage)
  • Mission data processing or ground system architectures
• Experience with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML tools (e.g., Cameo/MagicDraw)
• Ability to assess contractor technical performance and provide independent recommendations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior leadership

Preferred Qualifications / Skills

• Prior experience supporting a government program office (SETA or similar role)
• Familiarity with DoD/IC acquisition processes (JCIDS, DoD 5000 series)
• Experience working with prime contractors and major subcontractors
• Background in:
  • Satellite and payload engineering
  • Communications systems and architectures
  • Crypto integration in space systems
  • Multi‑sensor integration and data fusion
• Experience supporting:
  • Integration & test campaigns
  • Launch site operations and readiness reviews
  • Early orbit operations/commissioning
• Proficiency with tools such as:
  • Cameo/MagicDraw
  • Tableau
  • Confluence, Jira, DOORS
  • Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical tools

Responsibilities

• Provide independent technical assessment of contractor designs, architectures, and performance
• Support systems engineering lifecycle activities, including requirements development, design reviews, integration, test, and verification
• Evaluate radar payload performance, modeling, and system‑level trade studies
• Assess RF hardware development and production testing
• Support Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering efforts, including system performance modeling and multi‑sensor integration
• Analyze and validate end‑to‑end mission performance (sensor, ground, processing, dissemination)
• Participate in and support major program design reviews
• Provide technical risk identification and mitigation recommendations to government leadership
• Develop and deliver briefings and decision support materials for senior stakeholders
• Collaborate with government and contractor teams using tools such as Cameo, Tableau, and Confluence