Space RCO Senior Test Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 20 days + 10 holidays

6% 401(k) match

Semi-annual bonus eligibility

ESOP

Education reimbursement up to $10,000

Health and disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to support the development of first-of-kind space systems. The role requires deep expertise in space hardware/software, with SETA support for Space Rapid Capabilities Office at Kirtland AFB, NM.

The position involves leading test planning, execution, and coordination across partners, ensuring timely delivery. On-site work near Peterson SFB, CO, with up to 25% travel; active TS/SCI eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree or PE license.
• MA, MS, or ME degree.
• Active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI and SAP eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Support design, interpretation, and analysis of testing space vehicles.
• Plan and perform test research, development, and assignments.
• Evaluate system architecture and component testing to reduce redundancy.
• Provide technical expertise for performance analysis, test plan design, and test scenarios.

Skills

DoD/IC experience

Satellite systems testing

DoD program management

Integrated Master Schedules

SOW/PWS familiarity

Top Secret clearance awareness

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Professional Engineering license

MS/ME degree

Tools

Integrated Master Schedules

Testing tools (SETA context)

Job description

MTSI is searching for a Senior Test Engineer (TE) to support development of first‑of‑kind space systems and missions. Must possess technical expertise and experience with developing, designing, building, and integrating space hardware and software. In this position, you will provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) at Kirtland AFB, NM.

TE Principal Duty

You will work in a small, highly empowered team where every member is directly responsible for the success of the program. Responsibilities span space‑rated hardware, software, sensors, and processors in an extremely fast‑paced, responsive development environment. This SETA candidate must apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts for highly classified systems, while effectively communicating complex results to management and executive leadership.

SETA Role and Responsibilities

• Supports design, interpretation, and analysis of technical solutions to complex discipline‑specific testing of space vehicles.
• Plans and performs test research, development, and other assignments in conformance with design, engineering, and customer specifications.
• Evaluates system architecture and component testing to eliminate unnecessary redundancy and align capabilities across multiple programs and agencies.
• Provides technical expertise for performance analysis, test plan design, and test scenarios for functional testing, security testing, and vulnerability analysis of ground and space operations tools and capabilities.
• Responsible for the technical/engineering planning and execution of major and minor testing mandatory on project(s).
• Leads authoring, evaluation, and execution of program test and evaluation master plan as well as system acceptance planning; interfaces with multiple mission partners, overseeing test and system engineering working groups.
• Coordinates with partners/agencies to ensure test communities support delivery milestones.
• Works on self‑directed, mission‑critical aspects of a given program and performs all functional duties independently.
• Oversees the efforts of less senior staff and colonizes responsibilities of staff assigned to any specific job.
• Translates complex ideas and data into simple, actionable recommendations or easily differentiated courses of action.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy—oral and written.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Minimum 10+ years DoD/IC or relevant industry work experience.
• Proven experience and/or qualifications in testing satellite systems.
• Understanding of operational environment and corresponding mission user needs.
• Knowledge of space system engineering, development, and manufacturing.
• Experience in DoD program management including program development and transition.
• Experience with Integrated Master Schedules and risk management.
• Experience with Statements of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statements (PWS).

Desired Skills

• 5+ years of relevant DoD and/or Industry work experience with SAP and/or SCI.
• Operational experience as a space systems operator.
• Experience providing System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to a government program office.
• Experience with rapid prototyping.
• Experience with integrated air, space, and cyberspace capabilities.
• Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining ground mission planning architecture and software.
• Experience with ACAT I/II level acquisition programs.
• Experience using multivariable optimization in mission planning software systems.
• Experience in planning and executing test campaigns for space systems.
• Fluency with IC organizations.

Education

Minimum Requirements

• An applicable engineering degree from an ABET‑accredited program or possession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Possession of MA, MS, or ME degree.

Clearance

• Active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI and SAP eligibility. Must have at least 2 years total SAP/SCI experience, including 1 year within the last 5 years, and must be willing to submit to a counter‑intelligence polygraph.
• Must maintain TS/SCI clearance as condition of employment.

Location/Travel Requirements

• Full‑time, on‑site in vicinity of Peterson SFB, CO. Must travel up to 25% of the time within continental United States.

Pay Range: $170,000 – $200,000 per year in Colorado. Base pay may vary depending on contract rates, knowledge, skills, and experience. MTSI offers medical, financial, and other benefits. This information is provided pursuant to the Colorado Equal Pay Act.

Benefits

• 20 days PTO per year + 10 holidays per year.
• Flexible schedules.
• 6% 401(k) match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually.
• Semi‑annual bonus eligibility (July and December).
• Company‑funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Optional zero‑deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan.

Equal Opportunity: MTSI is committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. MTSI provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.