Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Space Systems Integration; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing engineering company in Chantilly, VA, is seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering and acquisition support for national security space programs. Candidates should have a strong background in software-intensive systems and system integration, along with an active TS/SCI clearance. The role involves collaboration across government, contractor, and enterprise stakeholders, focusing on full lifecycle acquisition and interface management.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• 5+ years of relevant experience for Bachelor's, 3+ for Master's, and none for PhD.
• Experience working within Government acquisition offices.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering support to Government customers.
• Support lifecycle acquisition and systems engineering activities.
• Lead software and interface-focused systems engineering efforts.

Skills

Software-intensive systems engineering

System interfaces

Integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Overview

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.

SSI is seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer with a strong software and interface background to support a highly dynamic and innovative space program in Chantilly, VA.

This role supports critical national security space programs and requires close collaboration across government, contractor, and enterprise stakeholders.

In this position, you will provide Systems Engineering and Acquisition support with an emphasis on software-intensive systems, interfaces, and system integration across the spacecraft lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive, day-to-day systems engineering support to Government customers within an integrated program office environment.
• Support full lifecycle acquisition and systems engineering activities, from pre-acquisition and requirements definition through launch and on-orbit checkout.
• Lead and support software and interface-focused systems engineering efforts, including definition, documentation, and coordination of system, subsystem, and external interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with contractor software engineers, systems engineers, and integration teams to resolve interface issues and manage technical risks.
• Author, review, and coordinate technical documentation, interface control documents (ICDs), requirements artifacts, briefings, and decision support materials.
• Participate in and represent the Government at contractor reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and program reviews, providing technical assessments and integration risk recommendations.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute systems engineering forums, working groups, and interface coordination meetings across the Customer office and broader Enterprise.
• Interface with multiple organizations across the Enterprise to support cross-program software integration, system interoperability, and enterprise-level events and reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience; Master’s degree with 3+ years; PhD with 0+ years.
• Strong background in software-intensive systems engineering, system interfaces, and integration.
• Experience supporting or working within Government acquisition or program offices.
• Ability to manage technical tasks, priorities, and coordination efforts within a complex customer organization.
• Willingness to travel domestically as required.

Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.