Space Test & Evaluation Support SME

Rippling; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 155,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Healthcare coverage

Paid time off

Annual incentive bonus

Job summary

Saratoga Federal is seeking a Space Test & Evaluation Support SME to lead strategic T&E efforts for the U.S. Space Force STARCOM and related portfolios. The role is on-site at Schriever Space Force Base, where you will shape the T&E strategy, bridging engineering, acquisition strategy, and operational utility.

You will guide complex space systems testing, use M&S and HWIL for predictions, and provide go/no-go recommendations to senior government leadership. Active TS/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations research, physics, mathematics, or related field.
• 10+ years in DoD space-inspired Systems Engineering or Test & Evaluation.
• Deep understanding of space system architectures, orbital mechanics, and EO/IR/RF sensors.
• Proficiency in DoE, regression testing, and statistical analysis for complex systems.
• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of comprehensive test campaigns (DT, OT, IT&E) for space systems.
• Navigate the DoD acquisition lifecycle, align TEMP with Space Force milestones and compliance.
• Oversee M&S and HWIL to predict system effectiveness and provide go/no-go recommendations.
• Act as liaison between program offices, contractors, and test agencies to resolve anomalies.
• Author and review high-level test plans, safety packages, and technical reports for senior leadership.

Skills

Space systems knowledge

DoE proficiency

Data analysis

DoD/Space Force familiarity

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related field

Job description

Saratoga Federal is a national security advisory firm dedicated to helping businesses and government agencies harness emerging technologies. We provide the strategic guidance and tactical execution needed to navigate complex acquisition challenges.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, we operate as a boutique strategic partner. We integrate specialized business services—synchronizing business development, government relations, and venture capital—to support the national security and dual-use technology markets. We are looking for high-performing subject matter experts who want to move beyond standard staff augmentation and drive real impact for US Space Force clients.

Saratoga Federal is seeking a Space Test & Evaluation Support SME to lead strategic T&E efforts for U.S. Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) and related portfolios. This role is on-site at Schriever Space Force Base.

In this role, you will not just execute tests; you will shape the T&E strategy that validates critical mission capabilities. You will serve as a senior advisor, bridging the gap between technical engineering, acquisition strategy, and operational utility. You will lead the planning, coordination, and analysis of complex space systems testing, ensuring that emerging technologies are rigorously evaluated before reaching the warfighter.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic T&E Leadership: Lead the design and execution of comprehensive test campaigns, including Developmental Testing (DT), Operational Testing (OT), and Integrated Test & Evaluation (IT&E) for space systems.
• Acquisition & Compliance: Navigate the DoD acquisition lifecycle, ensuring T&E master plans (TEMP) align with Space Force acquisition milestones and compliance requirements.
• Advanced Analysis: Oversee the use of Modeling & Simulation (M&S) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) to predict system effectiveness; interpret complex data sets to provide "go/no-go" recommendations to senior government leadership.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary liaison between program offices, developmental contractors, and operational test agencies, facilitating cross-functional coordination to resolve technical anomalies.
• Documentation & Reporting: Author and review high-level test plans, safety packages, and technical reports with a level of precision and clarity suitable for senior executive review.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in Systems Engineering or Test & Evaluation within the DoD ecosystem (specifically Space Force or Air Force).
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of space system architectures, orbital mechanics, and sensor modalities (EO/IR/RF).
• Methodology: Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DoE), regression testing, and statistical analysis for complex systems.
• Clearance: Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance is strictly required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a relevant technical field.
• Graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School (Space Test Course) or equivalent specialized T&E training.
• DAU Test and Evaluation Level III certification (or equivalent).
• Previous experience as a Space Weapons Officer (13S) or extensive familiarity with STARCOM Test and Evaluation Squadrons (TES).

Why Join Saratoga?

• Impact: Move beyond being a "cog in the machine." Your work directly influences how the USSF adopts and validates cutting-edge technology.
• Culture: Join a team of high-performers operating at the intersection of strategy, technology, and government
• 401(k): Company match of 100% of employee contributions up to 6% of eligible compensation.
• Healthcare: Company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation and sick leave, plus company-observed holidays
• In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual incentive bonus of 5-15% of base salary, awarded under the Company's annual incentive plan based on individual performance, contract performance, and company results. Actual award amounts are determined by management.

Eligibility & Inclusion

Some job roles may be limited to US Persons (22 CFR 120.62 "U.S. person").

Saratoga Federal does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

The pay range for this role is:

155,000 - 195,000 USD per year (Colorado Springs)