Spacecraft Systems Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a senior Systems Engineer for a mission-driven satellite program in Chantilly, VA. The role requires TS.SCI clearance and extensive space systems experience to drive architecture, interfaces, and verification across the program lifecycle.

The successful candidate will lead technical reviews, coordinate with government stakeholders, and deliver technical documentation while navigating a fast-paced, on-site environment with senior-level oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 14+ years of experience or a Master’s degree and 12+ years.
• Strong satellite systems engineering background and government program experience.
• Experience with space systems requirements, interfaces, and trade studies.
• Ability to communicate with senior decision-makers and lead in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Define requirements to ensure the spacecraft operates from design through launch.
• Provide inputs and recommended actions for technical and program topics.
• Foster cross-team communication to identify challenges and solutions.
• Evaluate contractor performance at milestone reviews for compliance.
• Support system development from requirements verification to test.
• Serve as the main technical contact, leading reviews and translating needs.
• Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities.
• Support verification, validation, and test planning.
• Provide assessments of contractor designs at major milestones.
• Provide technical support to Government activities and processes.
• Develop documents and briefings communicating status to Government and industry.

Skills

Satellite systems engineering

Systems integration

Trade studies

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree + 14+ years experience

Master's degree + 12+ years experience

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI

Job ID 2616079

Location Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted 2026-08-25

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Systems Engineer

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain None

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

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.

Job Responsibilities

• Define requirements to ensure the spacecraft operates seamlessly, from design through manufacturing, testing, and launch.
• 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 engineering 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.
• Provide technical support to Government customer activities and programmatic processes.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.

Qualifications

• TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience or a Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience.
• Strong satellite systems engineering background.
• Major government acquisition program experience.
• Experience with space systems, including development of concept of operations, mission threads, and collaboration with stakeholders on interfaces; ability to conduct trade studies, define interfaces, and work with the developer to mature interface requirements.
• Ability to absorb extensive technical detail and logically formulate solutions for execution on an inflexible schedule, often requiring integration of conflicting and, at times, incomplete data.
• Knowledge and application of Systems Engineering processes and functions.
• Systems engineering and system integration experience.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community or the Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.
• Experience with satellite system requirements development, design, manufacturing, and test.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
• TS/SCI Required.
• Bachelor's degree required / Master's degree preferred.
• Previous SAP experience desired.

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