Systems Engineer - Expert Level

Mission Intelligence Group; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

401(k)

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Mission Intelligence Group seeks an Expert Systems Engineer to lead space-based system lifecycle activities, ensuring secure, reliable, and mission-critical GEOINT capabilities for NSG and DoD/IC programs.

The role requires deep experience in MBSE, space environments, and cross-domain collaboration, with work in highly classified environments and tight mission timelines.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering with 18+ years of related experience or PhD with 10+ years.
• Experience with IPS or SSA applications.
• Experience with SOSI, BMC3, or orbital analysis.
• Ability to handle data across multiple classification levels.
• Experience with space environments and MBSE processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering efforts across the full system lifecycle, from requirements development through deployment and sustainment.
• Develop and evaluate solutions that support GEOINT mission objectives and space-based capabilities.
• Perform requirements engineering, systems integration, test and evaluation, and maintainability analysis.
• Assess system reliability and operational effectiveness within secure architectures.
• Support R&D initiatives focused on space and intelligence systems.
• Analyze and integrate data across multiple classification levels.
• Provide technical expertise related to space environments and space-to-ground systems.
• Support MBSE practices in development and implementation.
• Collaborate with government and industry stakeholders to ensure mission needs are met.
• Contribute to modernization of space enterprise capabilities across the DoD/IC.

Skills

MBSE

Space systems

GEOINT

Data integration

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

MBSE

Orbital analysis tools

Space weather modeling

Job description

Expert Systems Engineer

Are you an experienced space systems engineer passionate about advancing national security through innovative GEOINT capabilities? Mission Intelligence Group is seeking an Expert Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across the full system lifecycle of complex space-based systems supporting the National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG) and the Department of Defense/Intelligence Community (DoD/IC). This role offers the opportunity to work within highly classified environments, shaping resilient, mission-critical solutions that enable timely and accurate intelligence delivery.

Your Role

As an Expert Systems Engineer, you will apply advanced systems engineering expertise to the development, integration, testing, and sustainment of space-based capabilities supporting Controlled Access Programs (CAPs) and Special Access Programs (SAPs). You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver secure, reliable, and resilient solutions while supporting mission success across the GEOINT enterprise. This position requires deep technical knowledge of space systems, systems engineering methodologies, and classified operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering efforts across the full system lifecycle, from requirements development through deployment and sustainment.
• Develop and evaluate solutions that support GEOINT mission objectives and space-based capabilities.
• Perform requirements engineering, systems integration, test and evaluation (T&E), and maintainability analysis.
• Assess system reliability, resiliency, and operational effectiveness within secure architectures.
• Support research and development (R&D) initiatives focused on space and intelligence systems.
• Analyze and integrate data across multiple classification levels.
• Provide technical expertise related to space environments, space-to-ground systems, and threat assessments.
• Support the development and implementation of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices.
• Collaborate with government and industry stakeholders to ensure mission needs are met.
• Contribute to the modernization and enhancement of space enterprise capabilities across the DoD/IC.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in Engineering with 18+ years of related experience, OR
• PhD in Engineering with 10+ years of related experience
• Technical background in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related scientific disciplines.

Technical Expertise

• Experience with Integrated Protection Strategy (IPS) or integration of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) applications.
• Experience supporting space-related activities such as SOSI, BMC3, or orbital analysis.
• Demonstrated experience handling and processing data across multiple classification levels.
• Experience supporting space enterprise information needs.
• Experience with space environments, including space-to-ground operations and threat assessments of space assets.
• Experience utilizing physics-based models, including space weather analysis and threat/damage assessments.
• Experience with space object measurement and analysis.
• Experience supporting NRO/SAO or Air Force Space Program Office (AF SPO) activities.
• Understanding of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes, tools, and languages.

Security Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance adjudication and ability to successfully pass a polygraph.
• Must be willing to sign additional Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Must provide proof of Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) status for participation in KPMO programs.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience leading complex systems engineering initiatives within highly classified environments.
• Demonstrated success integrating advanced space-based capabilities into operational environments.
• Knowledge of secure architecture design and implementation.
• Experience supporting GEOINT mission systems and operational intelligence users.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and mission-focused decision-making skills.

Why Mission Intelligence Group

At Mission Intelligence Group, engineers are trusted to focus on mission outcomes, not bureaucracy. You will work alongside experienced GEOINT professionals who value clear communication, disciplined engineering, and systems that work as intended in operational environments.

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401(k)
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off