SME - Space Test & Evaluation

Rippling; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Saratoga Group is seeking a Senior SME - Space Test & Evaluation to lead strategic T&E efforts for STARCOM and related portfolios. You will shape T&E strategy, bridging engineering, acquisition strategy, and operational utility, and lead planning and analysis of complex space systems testing.

Role requires 10+ years in DoD T&E, TS/SCI clearance, and deep space system knowledge. The role involves coordination with government and contractors in a dynamic security environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of Systems Engineering or T&E experience in the DoD (Space Force/Air Force).
• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance required.
• Deep understanding of space architectures, orbital mechanics, EO/IR/RF sensors.
• Proficiency in DoE, regression testing, and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of DT/OT/IT&E campaigns for space systems.
• Navigate the DoD acquisition lifecycle and align TEMP with milestones.
• Oversee M&S and HWIL to predict effectiveness and advise go/no-go decisions.
• Coordinate with program offices, contractors, and test agencies.
• Author and review test plans, safety packages, and technical reports.

Skills

Space systems knowledge

DoE and data analysis

Modeling & Simulation

HWIL understanding

Leadership & coordination

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, OR Physics, OR Mathematics, OR Operations Research

Tools

Modeling & Simulation

HWIL

Job description

Saratoga Group is a national security advisory firm dedicated to helping businesses and government agencies harness emerging technologies. We provide the strategic guidance and tactical execution needed to navigate complex acquisition challenges.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, we operate as a boutique strategic partner. We integrate specialized business services—synchronizing business development, government relations, and venture capital—to support the national security and dual-use technology markets. We are looking for high-performing subject matter experts who want to move beyond standard staff augmentation and drive real impact for US Space Force clients.

The Role

Saratoga Group is seeking a Senior SME - Space Test & Evaluation to lead strategic T&E efforts for U.S. Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) and related portfolios.

In this role, you will not just execute tests; you will shape the T&E strategy that validates critical mission capabilities. You will serve as a senior advisor, bridging the gap between technical engineering, acquisition strategy, and operational utility. You will lead the planning, coordination, and analysis of complex space systems testing, ensuring that emerging technologies are rigorously evaluated before reaching the warfighter.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic T&E Leadership: Lead the design and execution of comprehensive test campaigns, including Developmental Testing (DT), Operational Testing (OT), and Integrated Test & Evaluation (IT&E) for space systems.
• Acquisition & Compliance: Navigate the DoD acquisition lifecycle, ensuring T&E master plans (TEMP) align with Space Force acquisition milestones and compliance requirements.
• Advanced Analysis: Oversee the use of Modeling & Simulation (M&S) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) to predict system effectiveness; interpret complex data sets to provide "go/no-go" recommendations to senior government leadership.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary liaison between program offices, developmental contractors, and operational test agencies, facilitating cross-functional coordination to resolve technical anomalies.
• Documentation & Reporting: Author and review high-level test plans, safety packages, and technical reports with a level of precision and clarity suitable for senior executive review.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in Systems Engineering or Test & Evaluation within the DoD ecosystem (specifically Space Force or Air Force).
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of space system architectures, orbital mechanics, and sensor modalities (EO/IR/RF).
• Methodology: Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DoE), regression testing, and statistical analysis for complex systems.
• Clearance: Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance is strictly required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a relevant technical field.
• Graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School (Space Test Course) or equivalent specialized T&E training.
• DAU Test and Evaluation Level III certification (or equivalent).
• Previous experience as a Space Weapons Officer (13S) or extensive familiarity with STARCOM Test and Evaluation Squadrons (TES).

Why Join Saratoga?

• Impact: Move beyond being a "cog in the machine." Your work directly influences how the USSF adopts and validates cutting-edge technology.
• Culture: Join a team of high-performers operating at the intersection of strategy, technology, and government.

Eligibility & Inclusion

Some job roles may be limited to US Persons (22 CFR 120.62 "U.S. person").

Saratoga Group does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

The pay range for this role is:

145,000 - 175,000 USD per year (Colorado Springs)