Senior Space Systems Engineer – Radar Payload & Large Systems Acquisition

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a seasoned Space Systems Engineer to provide onsite Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to an SAIC prime program at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

The role emphasizes radar payloads, space system acquisitions, and the full lifecycle of requirements, design, integration, test, and operations, with collaboration across government and contractor teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering/technical field and 9+ years of relevant space systems experience.
• Master's degree or higher adds to experience requirements.
• PhD/JD with 4+ years of relevant experience is also acceptable.
• In lieu of a degree, 13+ years of directly related space systems engineering and large systems acquisition experience.
• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering and systems integration for space or satellite systems.
• Experience applying SE processes, methods, and tools to develop and deploy satellite solutions.
• Hands-on experience with space radar payload design, development, manufacturing, and testing.
• Experience with radar system design, operations, and data processing.
• Notable experience supporting or executing large DoD/IC space programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting technical material.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of system-level requirements for assigned satellite systems and the design features that satisfy those requirements, with a focus on radar payloads and associated ground processing.
• Support full lifecycle systems engineering activities (requirements, design, integration, test, and operations) to ensure satellite and payload designs meet all specifications and customer requirements.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and review technical reports, design artifacts, CDRL deliverables, and program plans for technical accuracy, sufficiency, and alignment with program objectives and acquisition strategies.
• Prepare and deliver technical documents and briefings to government and industry stakeholders, and participate in technical interchange meetings between government, developers, and contractors.
• Provide systems integration and configuration management oversight for program documentation and baselines, coordinating across multiple engineering and mission divisions in the SPO.
• Serve as a systems engineering liaison within the SPO, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and issue resolution across government and contractor teams.

Skills

Space Systems Eng

MBSE tools

System integration

Technical briefing

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's degree

PhD/JD equivalent

13+ years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

SysML

Cameo

Rhapsody

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a seasoned Space Systems Engineer to provide onsite Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to an SAIC prime program at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA. This role supports a System Program Office (SPO) responsible for the planning, acquisition, and oversight of advanced satellite systems that enhance the NRO's space resiliency posture, with a strong emphasis on radar payloads and large space system acquisitions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of system-level requirements for assigned satellite systems and the design features that satisfy those requirements, with a focus on radar payloads and associated ground processing.




• Support full lifecycle systems engineering activities (requirements, design, integration, test, and operations) to ensure satellite and payload designs meet all specifications and customer requirements.




• Evaluate vendor proposals and review technical reports, design artifacts, CDRL deliverables, and program plans for technical accuracy, sufficiency, and alignment with program objectives and acquisition strategies.




• Prepare and deliver technical documents and briefings to government and industry stakeholders, and participate in technical interchange meetings between government, developers, and contractors.




• Provide systems integration and configuration management oversight for program documentation and baselines, coordinating across multiple engineering and mission divisions in the SPO.




• Serve as a systems engineering liaison within the SPO, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and issue resolution across government and contractor teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline and nine (9) years or more of relevant experience; OR




• Master's degree and seven (7) years or more of relevant experience; OR




• PhD or JD and four (4) years or more of relevant experience; OR




• In lieu of a degree, thirteen (13) years or more of directly related space systems engineering and large systems acquisition experience.




• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering and systems integration for space or satellite systems.




• Experience applying systems engineering processes, methods, and tools to develop, implement, and deploy solutions for satellite systems.




• Hands-on experience with space radar payload design, development, manufacturing, and testing.




• Experience with radar system design, operations, and data processing.




• Notable experience supporting or executing large systems acquisition programs within the DoD or Intelligence Community.




• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present technical material to senior stakeholders.




• Demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment, including coordination and customer engagement.




• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and to execute tasks with minimal guidance.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain and maintain any required agency-specific accesses for the NRO.




• U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience supporting NRO, NGA, or other Intelligence Community space or ground programs.




• Experience with space resiliency architectures, contested space scenarios, and mission assurance for national security space systems.




• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices (e.g., SysML, Cameo, Rhapsody).




• Experience with configuration management tools and processes in a large acquisition environment.




• Prior SETA, FFRDC, or government civilian experience supporting major space acquisition programs.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work onsite in a secure government facility in Chantilly, VA, including sitting for extended periods while using a computer and participating in meetings.




• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds of documents or equipment occasionally.




• Ability to travel occasionally for program reviews, technical interchange meetings, or stakeholder engagements as required.

2026.10.2

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.