Technical Director

Science Applications International Corp.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Science Applications International Corp. seeks a Technical Director to lead the technical direction and execution of a crown jewel IC/DoD space programs based in Aurora, Colorado.

You will guide a team of SMEs across physics, RF, optics, space operations, and intelligence collection to deliver credible, on-time technical products. Reporting to the Program Manager and senior leaders, you will resolve complex issues, align stakeholders, and drive results while managing staffing and surge needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field; 14+ years experience, or 12+ with Master's.
• Proven space systems analysis with modeling and simulation.
• Experience leading technical teams in a DoD or IC environment.
• Ability to communicate complex topics to senior government and corporate audiences.
• Active TS/SCI clearance (CI polygraph preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across all program tasks, setting direction and standards.
• Drive issue resolution by root-cause analysis and option assessment.
• Serve as senior technical interface to government customers and partners.
• Lead and mentor SMEs and team leads for quality, rigor and timeliness.
• Coordinate with Chief Engineer to ensure deliverables are sound and on schedule.
• Guide trade studies and integration of mission, payload, and operation analyses.
• Oversee technical aspects of a bespoke information system across networks and classifications.
• Support oversight of a remote work site with government investment and equipment.
• Work with Program Manager on staffing and surge needs.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement in engineering processes.

Skills

Technical leadership

DoD/IC experience

Communication to senior audiences

Problem solving under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics/engineering/math

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Modeling & simulation

Project management tools

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Technical Director to lead the technical direction and execution of a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) crown jewel program based in Aurora, Colorado. The program delivers specialized space and counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services to National Security space customers, including modeling, simulation, integration, and analysis, ground and space studies, and deployed collection campaigns.

This role is for a hands-on technical leader who can resolve complex program issues, align corporate and government stakeholders, and drive results. You will lead a team of subject matter experts in physics, mathematics, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis. You will work closely with the Program Manager and senior leaders to ensure technical products are credible, on time, and mission relevant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership across all program tasks, setting direction and standards for analysis, modeling, and mission reporting.
• Drive issues to closure by identifying root causes, building options, making recommendations, and following through on decisions.
  Serve as a senior technical interface to government customers and mission partners, building trust and influencing outcomes.
• Partner with corporate leaders to communicate program status, risks, and opportunities, and to secure resources and support.
• Lead and mentor a team of SMEs and team leads, setting expectations for technical quality, rigor, and timeliness.
• Partner with Chief Engineer to ensure deliverables and mission reports are technically sound, clearly communicated, and delivered on schedule.
• Guide technical approaches for trade studies, hardware needs, and integration of mission, payload, and operational utility analyses.
• Oversee technical aspects of a bespoke information system environment across multiple networks and classification levels.
• Support oversight of a remote work site with significant government investment and government-furnished equipment.
• Work with the Program Manager on staffing, subcontractor performance, and surge needs.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement in engineering and analytical processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as physics, engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline,(14) years or more experience, 12 years or more with Masters degree
• Demonstrated technical expertise in space systems analysis, with a strong foundation in modeling and simulation.
• Experience leading technical teams in a DoD or IC environment.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical topics to senior government and corporate audiences.
• Active TS/SCI clearance (CI polygraph preferred).

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in a technical discipline.
• Ten or more years of experience in space systems, with at least five in a technical leadership role (technical director, chief engineer, deputy PM, or similar).
• In-depth knowledge of National Security Space architecture and organizations, IC and/or DoD.
• Familiarity with space mission design, satellite operations, or space-based sensor technologies.
• Understanding of space and counter-space threats.
• Experience leading complex, multifaceted efforts with diverse technical teams and deliverables.
• Working knowledge of project management tools and methods
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Track record of influencing change across government and corporate organizations

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.