Space Vehicle Test and Integration Engineer

Socket.dev; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Space Vehicle Test & Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA to advise on technical and programmatic aspects of a critical space system. You will ensure mechanical, electrical, and software components function safely and reliably to complete missions.

Role requires leading reviews, translating customer needs into test requirements, and providing risk assessments and recommendations to the Government. On-site collaboration with Government and external stakeholders is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs.
• Experience applying the full range of systems engineering disciplines and milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR).
• On-site Space Vehicle Test & Integration Engineer work in Chantilly, VA with Government collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop procedures and tools to test integrated space vehicle assemblies and verify health before pad.
• Serve as SME in ground/test software and test equipment for propulsion and avionics.
• Develop test criteria and pass/fail requirements for space vehicle checkouts.
• Create validation procedures for space vehicle.
• Identify and drive improvements to testing and safety.
• Provide technical leadership to Government on risks and issues.
• Act as main technical point of contact between Government and design/build teams.
• Generate reports, risk assessments, and presentations for the customer.
• Offer inputs and actions for technical and programmatic topics.
• Foster communication to identify challenges and solutions.
• Evaluate prime contractor performance at milestone reviews for compliance and quality.
• Support system development from requirements verification to mission design and prototype test.
• Lead reviews and translate customer needs into test requirements.
• Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities.
• Support verification, validation, and test planning.
• Provide assessments of contractor designs at milestone reviews for progress and risks.
• Engage with development contractors to evaluate designs and test plans.
• Develop documents and brief Government/industry on status.

Job description

Job Description

Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

SAIC is seeking self-directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel.

This position is for a Space Vehicle Test & Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Space Vehicle Test & Integration Engineer will work daily on-site with the Government to provide advice and guidance on technical and programmatic aspects of a critical space system; ensuring every mechanical, electrical, and software component of the space vehicle functions safely and reliably to complete its intended mission.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop procedures and tools to test all integrated space vehicle assemblies and verify space vehicle health before it leaves to the pad.
• Perform as a SME in ground/test software, test equipment (propulsion and avionics), integrated testing of space vehicle high pressure and avionics systems.
• Develop test criteria and pass/fail requirements for integration space vehicle checkouts.
• Develop procedures and processes for validation of the space vehicle.
• Identify and drive improvements to space vehicle testing and safety of space vehicle testing.
• Provide technical leadership to the Government in identifying, mitigating, and solving applicable space vehicle and subsystem risks and issues.
• Serve as the main technical point of contact between the Government and the design, build, and systems engineering teams, as well as, production leadership of external stakeholders.
• Generate and deliver written reports, risk assessments, recommendations, and presentations to the customer.
• Provide Government with recommended inputs and courses of action for technical and programmatic topics.
• Foster communication and alignment among team members to identify challenges and corresponding solutions.
• Evaluate prime contractor performance at milestone reviews ensuring compliance with technical requirements, and quality of deliverables.
• Support system development from initial requirements verification through mission design, prototype development, and test.
• Serve as the main technical point of contact, leading reviews, and translating customer needs into actionable test requirements.
• Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities.
• Support verification, validation, and test planning.
• Provide technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs at major milestone reviews to assess progress, risks and issues, and the ability to achieve mission requirements.

• Engage with development contractors to evaluate designs, models, integration and test plans.

• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.

SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.