Senior/SME Space Based Sensing Engineer – AMTI Program

Astrion; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking Senior and SME Engineers to provide SETA support for a space-based AMTI program, based in Chantilly, VA. You will work with government leadership and industry partners across the full lifecycle from design through launch.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in aerospace/space defense, MBSE experience with SysML, and strong communication to brief senior leadership. TS/SCI clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or 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 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 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

Responsibilities

• Provide SETA support across the full lifecycle from design through launch and early operations
• Offer independent technical assessment and mission-focused insight to government leadership
• Bridge government and industry with advisory guidance on space-based sensing systems

Skills

Aerospace experience

Lifecycle experience

ISR/radar background

MBSESysML

Brief senior leadership

Education

Bachelor's in aerospace or EE or physics

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Cameo/MagicDraw

Job description

Overview

Senior/SME Space Based Sensing Engineer – AMTI Program

LOCATION: Chantilly, VA

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: TS/SCI w/CIPoly

TRAVEL: As Needed

SALARY RANGE: Estimated $180,000+ USD Annually*

*depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications

Position Overview

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're 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 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