Senior Space Based Sensing Integration Engineer

Astrion; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 171,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion seeks a Senior Space Based Sensing Integration Engineer to provide SETA support for a government program office managing the Space-Based Sensing and Targeting Portfolio. You will engage with government leadership and industry partners to ensure mission success, providing independent technical assessment across the lifecycle from design to launch and early operations.

Key focus areas include MBSE and system-level trade studies, experience briefing senior leadership, and collaboration with

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).
• Experience with one or more: Requirements Traceability; Architecture development; Mission data processing or ground system architectures.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML tools (e.g., Cameo/MagicDraw).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing senior leadership.

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 performance modeling and multi-sensor integration.
• Analyze and validate end-to-end mission performance (sensor, ground, processing, dissemination).
• Develop and deliver briefings and decision support materials for senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with government and contractor teams using Cameo, Tableau, and Confluence.

Skills

MBSE

SysML

Systems engineering

Briefing leadership

Requirements traceability

Education

Bachelor’s in aerospace/EE/physics

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Cameo/MagicDraw

Tableau

Confluence

Jira

DOORS

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Senior Space Based Sensing Integration Engineer

Location: Chantilly, VA

Job Status: Full-time

Clearance: TS/SCI w/CIPoly

Travel: As Needed

Salary Range: Estimated $190,000+ annually

• depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications

Position Overview

Astrion is seeking a Senior level engineer to provide SETA (Systems Engineering & Technical Assistance) support to a government program office responsible for the SBST PAE (Space-Based Sensing and Targeting Portfolio Acquisition Executive). 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)
• Experience with one or more of the following:
  • Requirements Traceability
  • Architecture development
  • 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