Space System of Systems Engineer SME

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

PTO and holidays

401k match

Annual educational reimbursement

Health insurance

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. seeks a Space - System of Systems Engineer - SME to support the Common Ground Team, focusing on seamless integration of ground systems for space assets.

You will design, integrate, and optimize a common ground architecture ensuring interoperability and mission reliability. The role requires 15+ years in space/ground systems engineering, DoD familiarity, and an active TS clearance with SCI eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with extensive engineering experience.
• 15+ years of systems engineering for space and ground assets, emphasis on ground systems integration.
• Strong knowledge of ground station operations, telemetry, tracking, command systems, and communication architectures.

Responsibilities

• Validate and refine ground system architecture for space operations.
• Engineer interfaces between satellite systems, payloads, and ground stations for interoperability.
• Integrate hardware, software, and networking for a unified common ground solution.
• Define system requirements and conduct trade studies for ground systems.
• Design and execute system-level tests; document results and recommend improvements.
• Provide tech support during ground system operations and maintenance.
• Perform risk assessments and ensure cybersecurity compliance.

Skills

Space systems

Ground systems integration

Interoperability design

System-level testing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

STK

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

We are seeking a highly capable and collaborative Space - System of Systems Engineer - SME to support the Common Ground Team, a key component of the program focused on ensuring seamless integration and operation of ground systems for space-based assets. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in space and ground systems to design, integrate, and optimize common ground architecture supporting Golden Dome's mission-critical objectives. As a vital member of the team, you will ensure the interoperability and reliability of ground systems to achieve mission goals efficiently and securely.

Contract Overview:

You will be joining an advanced initiative aimed at enhancing missile defense capabilities by utilizing assets positioned in orbit to detect, track, and neutralize incoming threats before they reach their targets. The effort involves integrating cutting-edge sensor technologies, advanced guidance systems, and precision engagement mechanisms to address emerging threats, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles. By intercepting threats at critical points in their flight trajectory, these systems complement naval missile defense networks, providing an added layer of security to safeguard national interests and global stability

As a Space Systems Engineer for the Common Ground Team, your responsibilities will include:

System Design and Integration:

• Validate and verify development and refinement of ground system architecture for supporting Golden Dome's space-based operations.
• Engineer seamless interfaces between satellite systems, payloads, and ground stations to ensure interoperability.
• Integrate hardware, software, and networking components for a unified common ground solution.

Requirements Development and Analysis:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to define system requirements for Golden Dome's Common Ground initiative, ensuring alignment with mission objectives.
• Conduct trade studies to analyze and optimize ground station solutions and technologies.
• Translate operational needs into technical specifications for ground systems.

Validation and Testing:

• Design and execute system-level testing processes to validate the functionality and reliability of the common ground architecture.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues discovered during integration and testing phases.
• Document test results and provide recommendations for system enhancements.

Operations Support:

• Provide technical expertise during ground system operations, ensuring real-time monitoring, telemetry, and data flow meet mission-critical requirements.
• Support readiness checks, software updates, and ground system maintenance activities.
• Optimize system performance to increase responsiveness and reliability.

Risk Management and Resilience:

• Perform risk assessments to identify and track to closure vulnerabilities in ground systems and implement mitigation measures to enhance operational resilience.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity protocols and compliance with DoD security standards.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Partner with multidisciplinary engineering teams, program managers, and stakeholders to ensure the successful operation of common ground systems.
• Act as a liaison between space system teams and ground system teams to align functionality and mission goals.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation, including system designs, test procedures, and operational manuals.
• Present findings, updates, and system statuses to DoD leadership and program stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in related field with 15 years' experience.

Required Security Clearance:

Must have an Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility; US Citizenship required.

Required Experience:

• 15+ years of experience in systems engineering for space and ground assets, with emphasis on ground systems integration.
• In-depth knowledge of ground station operations, telemetry, tracking, command systems, and communication architectures.
• Proficiency in engineering tools such as STK, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar modeling platforms.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on large-scale system optimization.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working on DoD programs, such as Golden Dome or similar national security-focused initiatives.
• Familiarity with industry standards for ground and space systems (e.g., CCSDS, MIL-STD protocols).
• Certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), Network+, or Security+.
• Hands-on experience with advanced networking technologies, virtualization, and cloud-based ground operations platforms.

#LI-AT1

Interesting Work:

Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security.

Values:

Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry.

100% Employee Owned:

We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year.

Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for:

• Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year
• Flexible schedules
• 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually
• Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and December)
• Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account
• Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement
• Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance
• Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan

Track Record of Success:

We have grown every year since our founding in 1993.

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance

MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide.

For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com

MTSI embraces nine core values including our first core value of Employees come first. Consistent with our Core Values, we are 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 is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.