Test Engineer, SATCOM/Mobile

SSI; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Education assistance

Paid time off - 24 days in first year

Job summary

SSI is seeking a Verification & Validation Test Engineer to support MUOS, a DoD satellite comms system, with emphasis on robust end-to-end verification and OSV testing. The role requires active Secret clearance and extensive V&V, system engineering, and integration experience.

The ideal candidate will collaborate across Space and Ground teams, drive test strategy, and coordinate with prime contractors and government offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• 10 years’ experience in Test & Evaluation of DoD communication systems.
• 5 years’ system engineering experience with satellite communications.
• 5 years’ system integration experience in lab and operational environments.
• Active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Verify design requirements through test planning and execution.
• Develop/test plans, documents and procedures for end-to-end verification and OSV testing.
• Lead/participate in Space, Ground, and Test Bed V&V activities and discussions.
• Coordinate with vendors and government personnel to resolve test issues and deficiencies.
• Maintain detailed test documentation and status reporting to leadership.

Skills

Test & Evaluation

System engineering

Satellite communications

System integration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SYSML

DOORS

Job description

Description

SSI is seeking a Verification & Validation Test Engineer to support the Space Force's Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), which is a Narrowband Satellite Communications System that supports a worldwide, Multi-Service population of mobile and fixed-site terminal users. It surpasses the capability of the Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Follow-On (UFO) SATCOM system by providing reliable service to small, disadvantaged, and mobile terminals.

The successful candidate must live within commuting distance of San Diego, CA or El Segundo. Up to 20% travel may be required.

Flexible work schedule and/or partial telework work may apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the Service Life Extension (SLE) satellites acquisition and ground updates meet design requirements and intended functionality through systematic verification and validation
• Serve as key contributor to test plans, documents, and procedures development for the Space and Ground End-to End (N2N) verification tests and On-orbit System Validation (OSV) test
• Manage/participate in the Space, Ground, and Test Bed working groups in respect to V&V
• Coordinate technical discussions, collaborate with Space, Ground, and Test Bed vendors to analyze and resolve test issues/findings
• Develop and implement test strategies, plans, and procedures based on system requirements
• Evaluate verification testing to ensure the unit system is built to specifications
• Evaluate validation testing to confirm the system meets user needs and intended use cases
• Support the planning, execution, and documentation of MUOS ground and SLE space demonstrations/test events
• Identify, track, and report defects/deficiencies, working with Government Program Office personnel and Prime Contractors/vendors to resolve issues
• Maintain detailed test documentation, including test plans, procedures, and reports
• Review Prime Contractors/vendor-submitted data items, provide comments, and recommend acceptance or rejection
• Report status and outcomes of test activities to the Government V&V Lead, Chief Engineer, and program leadership
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers or vendors, and system engineers
• Provide input on risk assessments and recommend improvements based on test findings
• Provide V&V inputs to assist with development and updates to the program Integrated Master Schedule and Government cost estimates

Requirements

• Clearance: Active Secret
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Test & Evaluation of DoW communication systems
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in system engineering specifically involving satellite communication systems
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in system integration in the lab and operational environments
• Strong understanding of satellite communications systems and technologies

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in a leadership role within a complex engineering or technology organization
• Knowledge of technical services in support of government acquisition
• Experience with systems modeling and simulation tools (e.g. SYSML)
• Familiarity with IBM engineering requirements management Dynamic Object-Oriented Requirements System (DOORS)

SSI is committed to non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on any characteristics protected by law.

SSI is a HUBZone small business that provides professional services including systems engineering, information systems integration, and technology management services. SSI offers a generous array of benefits including: Employee Medical, Vision, Dental, and Prescription Drug Insurance Plans, 60% paid premium for dependents. SSI provides Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability benefits at no cost. SSI employees receive 24 paid days off in the first year on board. We also provide Military Leave benefits, a 401(k) Retirement Plan, education assistance, Personal Technology Refresh and Employee Referral bonuses. Positions subject to Service Contract Act (SCA) have benefits provided as required by law.