Senior Systems Engineer (Secret clearance)

MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantor is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Engineer to shape the technical foundation of mission-critical satellite ground systems. You will craft SRDs, TRDs, ICDs, and verification plans, lead a team of engineers, and drive integration from concept to operational readiness in a fast-paced, security-cleared environment.

You will collaborate across client teams and leadership to ensure system validation, test planning, and MBSE-driven development while applying DoD, space system, and agile

Qualifications

• Secret clearance and STEM degree required.
• 10+ years DoD weapon systems acquisitions or systems engineering experience.
• 5+ years systems engineering analysis for satellite/ground systems.
• 3+ years leading teams of 5+ people.
• Experience with development of SRD/TRD/ICD, architectures, integration plans, test plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain SRDs, TRDs, ICDs, and mission-protection docs.
• Create technical assessments, integration and verification plans, and models.
• Define requirements/interfaces and support concept-to-operational readiness.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence.

Skills

Secret clearance

DoD experience

Systems engineering

Satellite systems

Team leadership

Requirements development

Interface control

Networking knowledge

Agile methodologies

Space systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master’s degree in Engineering/Math/CS

INCOSE Certification

TS/SCI clearance

Tools

IEEE 15288.1/2

MBSE

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

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). Please review the job details below. 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
Basic’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

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.

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 an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws. If you need assistance with the online application or hiring process, please email [e-mail].