Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

SAIC seeks a Systems Engineer to deliver high-impact SETA support for a mission-critical NRO GED program in Chantilly, VA. You’ll help modernize governance, implement engineering standards, and foster collaboration with SPOs to align enterprise SE practices with directorate objectives.

The role emphasizes training, metrics-driven improvements, and cross‑domain leadership to ensure timely, secure capabilities. TS/SCI CI Poly is required for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or Project Management with 9+ years of relevant experience, Master’s 7+ years, or Ph.D. 5+ years.
• Active Top Secret/SCI CI Poly clearance is required.
• Experience in systems engineering, program management, and configuration management.
• Ability to lead governance and policy initiatives and deliver high‑quality artifacts.
• Strong written and verbal communication with senior government stakeholders.
• Experience creating training programs to drive process adoption.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps, Agile, and enterprise-level systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop governance and policy for enterprise-level systems engineering.
• Provide strategic input on standards, frameworks, and processes.
• Partner with SPOs to modernize governance and ensure consistency.
• Create and execute an enterprise communications plan for GED.
• Design training programs and materials to enable adoption of new methods.
• Analyze performance metrics and recommend governance improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and mission partners for enterprise cohesion.

Skills

Systems engineering

Program management

Policy governance

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM or Project Management

Master’s degree (optional) with 7+ years

Ph.D. with 5+ years

Job description

Job ID 2615932
Location Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted 2026-08-20
Category Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory Systems Engineer
Schedule Full-Time
Shift Day Job
Travel No
Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI_wPoly
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain None
Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is seeking a Systems Engineer to provide high-impact Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to a mission‑critical program within the National Reconnaissance Office’s (NRO) Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED) in Chantilly, VA. As the team responsible for architecting, acquiring, and sustaining the nation’s most advanced space and ground systems, GED is driving transformative advances in national security.

This exciting opportunity places you directly at the core of GED’s efforts to modernize and streamline Enterprise Systems Engineering governance and policies, implement modern systems engineering methods across the Directorate, and foster collaboration with System Program Offices (SPOs). Your work will impact the alignment of systems engineering practices with enterprise‑wide objectives, positioning GED as a leader in delivering mission‑critical capabilities efficiently and effectively.

Key Responsibilities to include

• Develop, Maintain, and Oversee Governance
  • Lead the creation, development, and continuous improvement of enterprise-level Systems Engineering governance and policy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s objectives and best practices.
  • Provide strategic input and thought leadership in defining engineering standards, frameworks, and processes for the GED Enterprise.
  • Partner with stakeholders to evaluate existing systems engineering practices for opportunities to modernize and enhance governance frameworks.
• Create, Execute, and Sustain a Communications Plan
  • Develop an Enterprise-level communications strategy to drive the adoption and understanding of modernized systems engineering methods across GED.
  • Align SPO-level initiatives with the One GED methodology by engaging with SPO representatives and leadership to identify unique needs and ensure consistency.
  • Drive communication efforts to promote alignment with GED’s engineering vision, ensuring consistent messaging throughout the Directorate.
• Facilitate Training and Workforce Development
  • Design and implement a training program to educate and guide stakeholders on modern systems engineering methods, focusing on process adoption and continual improvement.
  • Develop training materials, workshops, and documentation to empower users at all levels, building enthusiasm and alignment for change.
• Analyze Enterprise Performance and Inform Enhancements
  • Collect, organize, and analyze Enterprise performance metrics for engineering processes, including DevSecOps, Agile Software Development, and other methodologies.
  • Provide actionable recommendations to update GED governance, standards, and policies based on metric analysis and stakeholder feedback.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to implement process improvements that foster innovation and ensure mission success.
• Cross-Domain Collaboration and Leadership
  • Interface with other internal teams, including the Mission Integration and Engineering Group and the Architecture Engineering Group, as well as SPOs and mission partners to enhance enterprise cohesion and optimize systems engineering practices.
  • Promote a collaborative and transparent working environment that cultivates trust and engagement among high‑performing, multi‑faceted teams.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (e.g., Systems Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics) or Project Management and 9+ years of relevant experience, Master’s degree and 7+ years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Active Top Secret/SCI CI Poly
• Experience in systems engineering, program management, and/or configuration management, with a demonstrated ability to lead and support strategic governance and policy initiatives.
• Proven ability to develop governance frameworks, establish policies, and craft high‑quality systems engineering deliverables.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to interface effectively with technical teams, senior leaders, and diverse organizational audiences.
• Experience with creating and implementing training programs to drive change and ensure adoption of new processes and methods.
• Demonstrated skill in performing data analysis and preparing professional recommendations, reports, and presentations tailored to senior government audiences.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to navigate a high‑tempo, dynamic environment.
• Awareness of DevSecOps, Agile Software Development, and enterprise-level Systems Engineering processes, with experience collecting, assessing, and recommending updates based on process metrics.
• Familiarity with the Intelligence Community (IC), specifically the missions and operations of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) a PLUS!

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