SME - Space Test & Evaluation

The Saratoga Group; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Saratoga Group seeks 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 operations, directing planning, coordination, and analysis of complex space systems testing to ensure rigorous evaluation before warfighter deployment.

You will serve as a senior advisor, guiding DoD acquisition milestones, DoE-based testing, and data-driven go/no-go decisions for senior

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of comprehensive test campaigns (DT, OT, IT&E) for space systems.
• Navigate the DoD acquisition lifecycle; ensure TEMP aligns with milestones and compliance.
• Oversee M&S and HWIL to predict system effectiveness and provide go/no-go recommendations.

Skills

Space systems architecture

Test & evaluation

DoE

DoD processes

Data analysis

Top Secret / SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field

Master’s degree (preferred)

USAF Test Pilot School (Space Test Course) or equivalent (preferred)

DAU Test & Evaluation Level III

Tools

Modeling & Simulation

HWIL

Job description

The Role

Saratoga Group is seeking a 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.