Senior Space Systems Engineer — Payloads & Mission Ops

Actalent; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Herndon, VA seeks a Systems Engineer to advance electromagnetic and space systems for national security missions. You will work on power‑constrained spacecraft, ground control software, embedded systems, and cyber‑capable platforms, operating with strong technical autonomy.

The role emphasizes system‑level design, requirements tracking, and cross‑functional leadership within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑impact solutions for national security customers.

Qualifications

• Progressive engineering experience reaching senior levels in aerospace.
• System-level design and interface documentation experience required.
• Experience with budgets and resource planning for space systems.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Formulate long-term plans for development, deployment, and sustainment of engineering solutions.
• Specify objectives and approaches for advanced spacecraft problems and architectures.
• Oversee integration, testing, and documentation to ensure schedule compliance.
• Lead deployment planning, resource estimation, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate maintenance of engineering solutions and present technical information.
• Act as prime technical contact on contracts and external projects.

Skills

System architecture

Engineering leadership

Requirements tracking

Orbital dynamics

Spacecraft design

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Job description

Actalent in Herndon, VA seeks a Systems Engineer to advance electromagnetic and space systems for national security missions. You will work on power‑constrained spacecraft, ground control software, embedded systems, and cyber‑capable platforms, operating with strong technical autonomy.

The role emphasizes system‑level design, requirements tracking, and cross‑functional leadership within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑impact solutions for national security customers.