Spacecraft Subsystem SME

SAIC; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a motivated spacecraft SME to join our team in El Segundo, CA. The role involves technical leadership across space vehicle subsystems, with emphasis on mechanical, electrical, and testing interfaces.

Domestic travel is limited and on-site work at LAAFB is required. Ideal candidates hold a technical bachelor's (or Master’s) with extensive spacecraft experience, and a Secret clearance (TS/SCI a plus).

Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance is required, TS/SCI a plus.
• 15 years’ spacecraft bus or subsystem experience, or Master’s +12 years.
• BS in a technical field; strong technical background in space systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for ESS Program Office in space vehicle design areas (Mechanical, Electrical, or Test).
• Lead trades for unit/subsystem designs and integration into spacecraft bus and payload.
• Ensure interfaces between space vehicle, ground, and terminal segments are coherent.
• Support component and unit test programs and space qualification testing; develop test plans/reports.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government customers, contractors, and team members.

Skills

Spacecraft bus experience

Coordination experience

Effective communication

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, software or computer science

Master’s degree in a technical field with 12+ years’ experience

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required Secret

Job ID 2614780

Location El Segundo, CA, US

Date Posted 2026-07-22

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Systems Engineer

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

SAIC is seeking a motivated and experienced spacecraft or spacecraft subsystem SME to join our team in El Segundo, CA. SAIC is sub-contractor on the Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Systems Engineering, Integration and Test (MSEIT) contract.

The MSEIT effort provides leading-edge Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) for the United States Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC). We acquire state-of-the-art Military and Commercial Satellite Communications (SATCOM) systems, providing global secure, survivable, and protected communications for our nation’s warfighters. We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide the technical leadership and assessment for the ESS Program Office in the prime contractor delivery of the space vehicle in the area of Mechanical, Electrical or Test.
• Lead the trades for unit and subsystem designs if necessary, integration and testing into the spacecraft bus, payload and space vehicle.
• Ensure the technical design and interfaces within the space vehicle, along with the ground and terminal segments.
• Support all component and unit test programs, including space qualification testing ensuring survivability in the space environments. Develop test documentations, e.g. test plan and reports as necessary.
• Support the space vehicle test program, ensuring survivability in the space environments. Develop test documentations, e.g. test plan and reports as necessary.
• Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with various government customer organizations, contractors, and FFRDC teammates.

Qualifications

• An active Secret Clearance is required for this position. Ability to obtain, or currently cleared for TS/SCI is a plus.
• BS in technical field, such as engineering, mathematics, physics, software or computer science.
• 15 years’ experience with spacecraft bus or subsystems, or Master’s degree and 12 years’ experience.
• Previous proven coordination experience.
• Effective communication (both written and oral), and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform in highly visible and stressful situations.
• DOD or IC space experience preferred.
• Space systems engineering experience desired at the unit, subsystem, spacecraft or space vehicle levels.
• Requirement to work on site at LAAFB 100%. Remote work unavailable.
• Approximately 10% travel within Southern California and CONUS, depending on prime contractor selection of unit suppliers.

Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.