Space System of Systems Engineer SME

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI); Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) seeks a Space – System of Systems Engineer – SME for the Common Ground Team to design and integrate a robust common ground architecture supporting space and ground assets.

You will ensure interoperability, reliability, and security of ground systems to meet mission goals. The role requires 15+ years in space/ground systems engineering, an active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility, and experience with DoD-focused programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field with 15 years' 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate ground system architecture for space operations.
• Define system requirements and translate operational needs into technical specs.
• Design and execute system-level tests to validate functionality and reliability.
• Provide operations support with real-time monitoring, telemetry, and data flow integrity.
• Perform risk assessments and implement mitigation to enhance resilience.
• Collaborate with multidisciplined teams and stakeholders to ensure mission success.
• Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation and reports.

Skills

Systems engineering

Space/ground integration

Security awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

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.