Space Launch Systems Architect & Lead Engineer

SAIC; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks an experienced Senior Principal Systems Engineer to modernize space launch ranges in Santa Maria, CA. You will drive architecture, integration, and performance analysis for the Assured Access to Space mission, collaborating with management, product, and engineering teams.

The role emphasizes MBSE, agile acquisition, and rapid prototyping to address sponsor challenges. You will mentor engineers and lead technical reviews across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or equivalent technical discipline.
• 14+ years of systems integration and systems engineering related experience (or 12+ with Master's).
• Must have a secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end systems engineering across multiple projects or products.
• Define system architecture, interfaces, and integration strategy.
• Translate functional requirements into detailed technical specifications.
• Drive system design reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies.
• Oversee system validation, verification, and performance analysis.
• Partner with project managers to align technical scope, schedule and resources.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering best practices.
• Coordinate across cross-functional teams to resolve issues and ensure seamless system integration.
• Support roadmap planning, capacity forecasting, and technology strategy.
• Provide system-level engineering support to a cross-functional team.
• Apply rapid prototyping and MBSE to address sponsor challenges.

Skills

Systems engineering

MBSE

Agile methods

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/math/physics or equivalent

Master's degree in engineering/math/physics or equivalent

Tools

SharePoint

Excel

Access

Project

MBSE tools

Job description

SAIC seeks an experienced Senior Principal Systems Engineer to modernize space launch ranges in Santa Maria, CA. You will drive architecture, integration, and performance analysis for the Assured Access to Space mission, collaborating with management, product, and engineering teams.

The role emphasizes MBSE, agile acquisition, and rapid prototyping to address sponsor challenges. You will mentor engineers and lead technical reviews across projects.