Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer in Chantilly, VA. The role demands strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, and hands-on experience in space payloads.

You will interface with government stakeholders and industry partners to advance maturation of telescope technologies, manage cross-vendor coordination, and contribute to architecture for future spacecraft builds. U.S.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• 9+ years of experience supporting optical systems, telescope development, spacecraft payloads, opto-mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or aerospace programs
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, interface management processes, and integration activities
• Experience supporting technical reviews, design assessments, and engineering coordination across multiple organizations
• Ability to report to designated work location in Chantilly VA on a full time basis

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and systems engineering support for the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced space-based optical payloads and telescope systems
• Serve as a key interface between government stakeholders and industry partners to improve interoperability
• Coordinate cross-vendor interfaces to reduce program risk and maximize future mission flexibility
• Contribute to common engineering approaches that enable interchangeability across future spacecraft builds

Skills

TS/SCI + Poly clearance

Space domain operations experience

Systems engineering principles

Cross-vendor interface coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Intelligence Programs Group (IPG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community. We utilize mission-proven, data-driven advisory tools and capabilities. We provide highly technical support to ensure the government acquires cutting edge technology necessary for our National Defense. Our portfolio includes the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Come where you will be part of our high-caliber team!

SPA has an immediate opening for a Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer.

Responsibilities

SPA is looking for a Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA. This position provides technical expertise and systems engineering support for the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced space-based optical payloads and telescope systems. This position serves as a key interface between government stakeholders and industry partners, facilitating collaboration across multiple vendors to improve interoperability, reduce program risk, and maximize future mission flexibility.

The successful candidate will support the maturation of advanced telescope technologies, manage cross-vendor interface coordination efforts, and contribute to the development of common engineering approaches that enhance interchangeability across future spacecraft builds. The role requires strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, systems integration principles, and the ability to work effectively across government, contractor, and industry organizations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at date of application
  • Please discuss specific polygraph requirements with an SPA Talent Acquisition professional
• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• 9+ years of experience supporting optical systems, telescope development, spacecraft payloads, opto-mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or aerospace programs
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, interface management processes, and integration activities
• Experience supporting technical reviews, design assessments, and engineering coordination across multiple organizations
• Ability to report to designated work location in Chantilly VA on a full time basis

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to evaluate technical tradeoffs and develop recommendations that balance performance, risk, schedule, and cost considerations
• Experience with Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements management, and configuration control processes

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $195,000.00/Yr.