Senior Space Systems Engineer: Radar Payloads & Space 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

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.