Strategic Program Support SME

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 245,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

PTO

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Paid federal holidays

Job summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking a Strategic Program Support SME to assist space-focused mission partners within the U.S. Space Force Test and Evaluation community.

You will provide expert-level technical guidance on space systems, test strategies, and requirements, contributing to mission readiness and national security objectives. This role requires TS/SCI clearance, 15+ years of DoD experience (including SAP/SCI), and a Master’s degree.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for SCI.
• 15+ years of DoD experience, including SAP/SCI environments.
• Extensive space and cyber systems architecture and integration experience.
• Experience developing CONOPS and defining system requirements and interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with USSF and mission partners to support development, integration, testing, and evaluation of space systems.
• Provide technical recommendations on requirements, acquisition strategies, and test approaches.
• Develop test strategies, test cases, and evaluation criteria for hardware, software, and test infrastructure.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to support mission and program success.
• Review test plans for technical completeness, feasibility, and resource needs.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

SCI clearance

DoD experience

Space systems

MBSE

Risk management

Cross-functional leadership

System integration

Test & evaluation

Education

Master's degree

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

Overview

Job Summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking a highly qualified Strategic Program Support Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support space-focused mission partners within the U.S. Space Force Test and Evaluation (T&E) community.

In this role, you will provide expert-level scientific and technical guidance in support of critical space test and evaluation activities, mission requirements, and operational readiness. The ideal candidate brings extensive technical expertise, strong analytical capabilities, and a deep understanding of space systems and mission environments.

This position affords an opportunity to contribute directly to mission-critical national security objectives, helping advance space capabilities, strengthen test and evaluation efforts, and enhance overall space domain readiness and mission effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

The Strategic Program Support SME will:

• Collaborate with U.S. Space Force (USSF) and mission partner organizations to support the development, integration, testing, and evaluation of space systems
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations regarding system requirements, acquisition strategies, and test approaches across digital and physical test environments
• Develop comprehensive test strategies, test cases, operational scenarios, verification plans, and evaluation criteria for hardware, software, and supporting test infrastructure
• Conduct technical and programmatic risk assessments, identify potential impacts, and develop actionable mitigation strategies to support mission and program success
• Evaluate and improve test and exercise processes, tools, methodologies, and procedures to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and mission readiness
• Provide expert insight into industry best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches applicable to space system testing and evaluation
• Participate in technical reviews, working groups, and program meetings, providing technical analysis and recommendations to support program objectives
• Develop and maintain technical documentation supporting the synchronization, integration, and implementation of future capabilities within test and exercise environments
• Review proposed test plans for technical completeness, feasibility, resource requirements, and mission alignment
• Identify gaps, constraints, and technical challenges associated with test planning and execution and provide recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders

Requirements

Skills and Experience

The Strategic Program Support SME must have:

• Active Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
• Willingness and ability to obtain a Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph (CI Polygraph), if required
• 15+ years of relevant Department of Defense (DoD) experience, including at least 5 years of experience supporting Special Access Program (SAP) and/or SCI environments
• Extensive expertise in space and cyber systems architecture, system design, integration, and functional analysis
• Demonstrated experience developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and defining system requirements, interfaces, and technical dependencies
• Extensive experience with end-to-end satellite and space system architecture, integration, testing, and evaluation
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating cross-functional technical teams supporting complex, multi-stakeholder programs
• Working knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies, tools, and frameworks
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition, systems engineering, test and evaluation, and technical risk management processes

Education and Certifications

The Strategic Program Support SME must meet the following:

Required

• Master of Arts/Science Degree

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid federal holidays

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high-level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.

Company Summary

Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC, is an SBA-Certified NHO-owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services.

Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Our service commitment is simple - "Quality IT Solutions... On Time & On Budget."

Company Employment Statement

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.

Posted Salary Range

USD $245,000.00 - USD $265,000.00 /Yr.