Satellite Systems Engineer

Join a winning team!! SAIC’s Space and Intelligence Business Group is currently hiring to advance space capabilities supporting our Department of Defense (DOD) and Intelligence Community customers. Ten miles from the SAIC headquarters, our Chantilly, VA team supports systems development, targeting & intelligence analysis, systems engineering & integration and more.

This position is for a Satellite System Engineer for a large, multi-year contract supporting a cutting-edge and innovative space program. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in systems engineering principles and practical experience with satellite systems. The Satellite System Engineer oversees developer satellite system design, development and integration providing critical insight to the customer’s execution of the Program with responsibilities that may include, but are not limited to the following:

Role Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Program Office technical staff for designing, developing, and integrating complete satellite systems, including spacecraft bus and payload subsystems.
• Translate mission requirements into detailed technical specifications and perform system-level trade studies to optimize performance, cost, and risk.
• Develop and manage the overall system architecture, including space and ground segments.
• Provide technical oversight to contractors and vendors, ensuring designs meet all program requirements.
• Oversee integration and test activities, including environmental testing to ensure the satellite can withstand launch and the space environment.
• Collaborate with customers to develop and implement systems by generating Concepts of Operations, defining requirements, and providing technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle to ensure alignment with mission objectives and timelines.
• Oversee prime contractors’ development and ensure systems meet customer requirements, risk tolerance, budget, and schedule, while assessing technical solutions and recommending Courses of Action (COA).
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team including hardware and software, to ensure system integration and mission success. Foster communication and alignment among team members to identify challenges and corresponding solutions.
• Evaluate prime contractor performance at milestone reviews by analyzing compliance with technical requirements, and quality of deliverables. Offer recommendations to improve project outcomes and likelihood of success.
• Identify and manage risks throughout the systems engineering lifecycle by conducting risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, and monitoring potential impacts on mission objectives.

• Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community and/or the Department of Defense Program Office best practices.
• Bachelors and 5 years of relevant experience; OR Masters and 3 years of relevant experience.
• At least 4 years experience working on a Government or Commercial satellite program.
• Effective interpersonal skills (across multiple groups, offices, and organizations) and strong briefing and writing skills.
• Ability to communicate to a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Deep knowledge of satellite subsystems, including Attitude and Orbit Control (ADCS), power, propulsion, communications (RF), and thermal control.