Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

SAIC is looking for a Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA.  The Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer 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.
Key Responsibilities

•    Facilitate the transfer of knowledge related to advanced telescope technologies, optical systems, and opto-mechanical architectures between government organizations and industry partners.
•    Serve as a technical liaison between government stakeholders and telescope vendors to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and alignment of engineering objectives.
•    Manage and coordinate telescope interface requirements across multiple industry vendors to maximize component and subsystem interchangeability for future spacecraft developments.
•    Evaluate and adjudicate interface recommendations, technical trades, and design feedback from industry partners to reduce non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs and improve future integration efficiency.
•    Support the development, maintenance, and configuration management of telescope interface definitions, technical standards, and engineering baselines.
•    Participate in opto-mechanical design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and engineering assessments throughout the system lifecycle.
•    Support integration planning activities for telescope assemblies, optical payloads, and spacecraft interfaces.
•    Collaborate with government and industry teams to identify opportunities for common architectures, modular designs, and standardized interfaces that improve mission flexibility and acquisition efficiency.
•    Contribute to technology maturation efforts by assessing emerging optical technologies, evaluating readiness levels, and identifying transition opportunities into future programs.
•    Coordinate technical activities among multiple vendors, government organizations, and engineering teams to support schedule, performance, and mission objectives.
•    Support risk assessments, trade studies, and engineering analyses associated with telescope integration and performance.
•    Develop technical documentation, interface control products, engineering recommendations, and executive-level briefings to support program decision-making.