Space Radar Engineer

Space Systems Integration LLC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Systems Integration LLC in Chantilly, VA seeks a Space Radar Engineer to provide SETA support for space-based radar payload performance and processing. You will assess system designs, on-orbit data products, and mission effectiveness, guiding improvements across the end-to-end system from collection through processing.

The role requires direct radar/tradecraft experience, TS/SCI clearance, and ability to brief senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI polygraph within the last ten years.
• Master's degree in engineering and ten or more years of experience.
• Experience with all phases of the satellite mission lifecycle, from concept to post-launch operations.
• Direct experience with space-based radar systems or closely related ISR platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and written/verbal communication skills for senior decision-makers.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted, independent advisor to the Government on space-based radar payload performance and processing.
• Provide objective assessments of contractor designs, algorithm implementations, and system performance.
• Assess risks, technical maturity, and performance margins across development and operations.
• Evaluate radar signal processing chains, including calibration, image formation, detection, and tracking.
• Develop customer positions, technical assessments, and briefing materials for leadership.

Skills

Radar tradecraft

Systems engineering

Executive briefing

Travel readiness

Clear communicator

Education

Master's degree in engineering

Job description

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers' technical challenges.

SSI is seeking a Space Radar Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to our Customer in Chantilly, VA. The role advises on space-based radar payload performance and processing, providing independent assessments of system design, on-orbit data products, and mission effectiveness. The individual applies deep radar tradecraft expertise to evaluate product quality, troubleshoot anomalies, and guide improvements across the end-to-end system from collection through processing and operational use.

Role and Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a trusted, independent advisor to the Government on all aspects of space-based radar payload performance and processing.
• Provide objective assessments of contractor designs, algorithm implementations, and system performance.
• Assess risks, technical maturity, and performance margins across development and operational systems.
• Assess collection modes, tasking strategies, and geometry impacts on product performance.
• Provide actionable recommendations to improve product quality and operational effectiveness.
• Work closely with operators, system engineers, and contractors to diagnose and resolve operational issues.
• Evaluate end-to-end radar signal processing chains, including calibration, image formation, detection, and tracking.
• Analyze interactions between space segment, ground processing, communications, and tasking systems.
• Support development and refinement of radar mission requirements and performance metrics.
• Ensure lessons learned from operations are fed back into system improvements.
• Advise on future enhancements to payload capability, processing algorithms, and product generation.
• Assist in developing Customer positions, technical assessments, and decision briefings for leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and CI polygraph (polygraph within the last ten (10) years).
• Master's degree in engineering and ten (10) or more years of experience.
• Experience with all phases of the satellite mission lifecycle, from concept development and design through integration, testing, and post-launch operations.
• Direct experience with space-based radar systems or closely related ISR platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a Government/Contractor team environment.
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics to Senior decision-makers with varying technical backgrounds through clear briefings and written reports.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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Target salary range: $180,000 - $230,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. We offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.