Senior/SME Space Based Sensing Engineer - AMTI Program with Security Clearance

Astrion; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking Senior/SME Space Based Sensing Engineers to provide SETA support for the AMTI program in Chantilly, VA. You will work directly with government leadership and industry partners to ensure mission success across the full lifecycle—from design through launch and early operations.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor's in a technical field, 10+ years in aerospace or defense, and hands-on MBSE/SysML experience with radar or RF payloads.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field; master’s or PhD preferred.
• 10+ years in aerospace/defense programs; full lifecycle experience.
• Experience with MBSE and SysML tools.
• Strong background in space-based ISR, radar, or RF payloads.
• Experience briefing senior leadership and assessing contractor performance.

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 MBSE and digital engineering efforts, including system performance modeling and multi-sensor integration.
• Develop and deliver briefings and decision support materials for senior stakeholders.

Skills

Space-based ISR systems

Radar systems

RF payloads

MBSE & SysML

Senior leadership briefing

Independent technical assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

Cameo/MagicDraw

Tableau

Confluence

Jira

DOORS

Python

MATLAB

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.

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
• 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 #CJ