Systems Engineer Sr Principal

SAIC is seeking candidates for a Space Systems Engineer / Orbital Analyst who will directly support the 18th Space Defense Squadron and the U.S. Space Forces for Space field command located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, in space protection, orbital analysis, data analysis, space defense, and satellite conjunction assessment. The engineer provides expertise in Space Defense Awareness (SDA), solving various operational orbital mechanics problems and to process data for orbit states and predictions. The position would be responsible for coordination and integration of relevant information and findings across multiple functional areas to develop and deliver products enabling customer situational awareness and decisions. While this position will accomplish most tasks Monday through Friday, normal day hours, due to the non-routine operations environment, work may be required outside those times.

Job Description:

• Execute mission protection aspects of the space object catalog required as part of the evolving SDA mission.
• Execute operational functions to include space flight safety, defensive space control, intelligence analysis, and operational, technical and engineering support to national security space programs.
• Review and prepare responses for applicable government policies, plans, procedures and technical documentation, as well as collaborate with other space operations centers and space acquisition offices.
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.
• Ability to interpret, draft, discuss, and implement US government-wide space policy with members from various USG agencies in a collaborative environment.
• Understanding of space object tracking sensors, networks, and data, including capabilities and limitations.
• Familiarity with Linux-based OS, Particularly Red Hat Linux.
• Familiarity with Space Force’s Astrodynamics Support Workstation software or similar tools.
• Ability to apply knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics to operations, including orbit determination and maintenance, general and special perturbation-based data and formats, orbit decay, and orbital maneuvers for station keeping and change of station.
• Ability to apply orbital mechanics to real world problems. General understanding of methods of orbit determination and prediction, and use of orbital state data.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and be proficient in MS Office (Access, Excel, Word, & PowerPoint).

Required Education:

• Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience.

Qualifications:

• Active TS/SCI w/Poly.
• 9 years of relevant experience; 7 years with a Master or 4 years with PhD.
• Experience involving Space Situational Awareness, satellite catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, and conjunction assessment. Real-time analysis and solution of technical and operational problems is required for this position.