Senior Systems Engineer (Secret clearance)

Vantor; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Vantor is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Engineer to shape the technical foundation of mission-critical satellite ground systems. You will define SRDs, TRDs, ICDs, and verification plans, and craft system documentation from requirements to interfaces.

You will research emerging technologies, mentor engineers, and lead a culture of technical excellence on site in California. The role requires a TS/SCI level with active clearance, 10+ years in DoD/system engineering, and strong Agile and MBSE

Qualifications

• Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM field
• 10+ years of DoD weapon systems acquisitions or systems engineering
• 5+ years of systems engineering analysis for satellite/ground systems
• 3+ years leading teams of 5+
• Experience coordinating between client, team, and leadership
• Experience drafting technical specs, ICDs, ground architectures, integration plans and test plans
• Experience authoring requirements and system validation/verification
• Knowledge of network architecture
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies

Responsibilities

• Develop SRDs, TRDs, ICDs and interface control documents
• Lead requirements, interfaces, and verification planning from concept to readiness
• Mentor engineers and promote technical excellence
• Communicate across stakeholders to align on system architecture and schedules

Skills

Secret clearance

Systems engineering

DoD programs

Team leadership

Requirements engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in Engineering/Math/Physics/CS

INCOSE Certification (ASEP/CSEP/ESEP)

Job description

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters—where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen. This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance, applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. Employment for cleared roles is contingent upon verification of clearance status.

Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

At Vantor, you’ll work alongside the U.S. Space Force, mission partners, and a talented team of engineers to develop and deploy the next generation of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) ground-system capabilities. Your work will help deliver critical information to warfighters, strengthen deterrence, and support faster, more informed decisions in the moments that matter most.

As a Senior Ground Systems Engineer, you’ll shape the technical foundation of mission‑critical satellite ground systems. You’ll develop and maintain System Requirements Documents (SRDs), Technical Requirements Documents (TRDs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), mission‑protection documentation, technical assessments, integration plans, verification plans, and digital mission and system models.

You’ll research emerging requirements, technologies, and threats, then apply innovative engineering methodologies and tools to solve complex problems and create tomorrow’s capabilities. From defining requirements and interfaces to supporting integration and verification, you’ll help move systems from concept to operational readiness. As a senior member of the team, you’ll also mentor engineers, share expertise, and help build a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth. Your systems‑thinking mindset, communication skills, and attention to detail will be essential to delivering reliable capabilities for the mission.

If you’re energized by complex challenges, motivated by meaningful impact, and ready to lead the development of the future of space‑based intelligence, join Vantor and help shape what comes next. Join our team and create the future of Remote Sensing in the Space Force. Due to the nature of work performed within this facility, U.S. citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field
• 10+ years of experience supporting DoD weapon systems acquisitions or systems engineering
• 5+ years of experience performing systems engineering analysis and developing systems engineering products for satellite systems or ground systems for Command and Control and Data Processing
• 3+ years of experience leading teams of at least 5 people
• Experience communicating and coordinating between the client, your team, related teams, and leadership
• Experience with the development of technical specifications, interface control documents, ground architectures and designs, integration plans and schedules, and test plans
• Experience with authoring requirements and managing and developing testable criteria, system validation and verification, and analysis
• Knowledge of network architecture
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in modeling, simulation, or analysis of RF Systems, including Space-to-Ground and Payload Systems
• Experience performing systems engineering, integration, and testing on space‑based remote sensing systems, including SBIRS, Next Generation OPIR, FORGE, STSS, HBTSS, or DSP
• Experience with planning and executing program reviews throughout the life cycle of the system
• Experience using a Model‑Based Systems Engineering approach to manage system definitions and technical baselines
• Knowledge of satellite ground system design, cloud architecture, DevOps and DevSecOps, software frameworks, communication and networking, data processing, exploitation, dissemination, space system operations and tasking, mission planning, space‑ground integration, or space system factory support
• Knowledge of DoD 5000.01 and 5000.02
• Knowledge of systems engineering standards, including IEEE 15288.1 and IEEE 15288.2
• TS/SCI clearance
• Master’s degree in an Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science field
• INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional Certification including ASEP, CSEP, or ESEP Certification

Clearance: Secret

The position will require at least 2-3x per week on site. Meetings/schedules may require more days on site.

Pay Transparency:

In support of pay transparency at Vantor, we disclose salary ranges on all U.S. job postings. The successful candidate’s starting pay will fall within the salary range provided below and is determined based on job-related factors, including, but not limited to, the experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills, geographic work location, and market conditions. Candidates with the minimum necessary experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skillsets for the position should not expect to receive the upper end of the pay range.

The base pay for this position ranges from our lowest geographic market up to our highest geographic market within California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Washington: $95,000.00 - $201,000.00 annually.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees. You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.vantor.com/careers

Vantor values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.