Company Overview Avantus Federal, recently acquired by QinetiQ US, is a mission-focused data, cyber and space services, and solutions company. As a mid-market powerhouse with an intentional blend of elite talent, infrastructure, and speed to impact, Avantus leads with technical and domain expertise for its Defense, Intelligence, Homeland Security and Federal Civilian customers. Helping to solve some of the toughest national security problems and government missions, Avantus' offerings enable services at scale, including cyber technologies and operations, data and software solutions, digital engineering and integration, intelligence analysis and operations, transformation, and advisory services and more. Position Overview Join us in our fast-paced support to the Space Development Agency (SDA )! Since SDA's standup just 3 years ago, it has become known as the Department of Defense's "constructive disruptor". SDA is achieving space acquisitions at a pace never seen within the government. Just recently, the SDA announced it's $1.8B award to three satellite vendors including York Space Systems, Lockheed Martin Space and Northrop Grumman Space Systems for its 126 optically interconnected space vehicles for its Tranche 1 Transport Layer mission. SDA's Transport Layer provides assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms. SDA will soon award its Operations and Integration contract which will deliver Operations Centers and Ground Entry Points to control its the satellite mesh network and its Tranche 1 Tracking Layer Contract which will deliver Optical Sensor satellites. Each of these systems will be interconnected and require a significant systems engineering effort. Avantus Federal, recently acquired by QinetiQ US, has an immediate opening for a senior level Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) lead for one of the Medium Field of View (WFOV)/Overhead Persistent Infra Red (OPIR) satellite vendors. The candidate will provide technical expertise to government program managers on a single satellite vendor design. The candidate will review designs, test procedures and provide feedback and recommendations to ensure the vendor's satellites will meet SDA's architecture needs. The SV lead will serve as the primary point of contact for the government program manager on technical information regarding that vendor's design. The lead will have access to technical personnel matrixed across all of the various satellite designs. Responsibilities Individuals will support various engineering, scientific, analysis, requirements verification and validation, system test, technical risk management and trade analysis. Specific tasks may include but are not limited to: * Oversee and guide integration of multiple space vehicles in the Tracking Layer (MFOV/OPIR) constellation to form low-latency mesh network and connect to other layers, warfighters, partner systems * Oversee and guide integrated space vehicle systems, including integration of mission payloads (OPIR Payloads, RF communications, Optical communications, onboard data processor) with satellite busses * Oversee and guide OPIR payload design, development, integration, and test activities * Oversee integration of the Space vehicle (SV) into the SDA's ground system network design and with the other satellite vendors to create the mesh network * Coordinate the development of operational procedures for optical link payloads, including joining networks, maintaining connections, and mission planning * Oversee the development of the SV's flight software and solutions to maintain the on-orbit mesh network * Oversee Integration, Assembly and Test activities * Characterize the impact of space vehicle and payload design decisions on mission effectiveness * Support M&S development and analysis for Transport Layer * Identify capability gaps and devise Transport Layer actions to help address those gaps * Frequent interaction with government, SETA, FFRDC, and external stakeholders * Identifying key architecture and system level trades * Developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for new capabilities and coordinating them across the affected organizations * Developing enterprise, system, functional, performance, and interface requirements * Preparing briefings for senior decision makers Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in STEM (science, technical, engineering, math) or related discipline with at least 7 years of relevant experience * Active Top Secret clearance; Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI; #AvantusClearedJob * Prior experience with satellite acquisition, design and test * Ability to evaluate contractor designs and support schedule/risk related issues * Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and energetic environment. * Strong oral and written communication skills * Telework is acceptable from these locations: DC Metro, Colorado Springs, CO; Los Angeles, CA; Huntsville, AL * The status of applicable COVID-19 vaccination requirements under Executive Order 14042 are subject to change depending on applicable court orders and the course of ongoing litigation. Candidates may be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved exemption Preferred Qualifications * Masters degree in STEM (science, technical, engineering, math) or related discipline * Experience DoD and or IC customers * Active TS/SCI clearance; * Familiarity with mod/sim tools such as STK/AFSIM/Coast etc * Familiarity with ground systems including ground entry points and operations centers * System analysis, modeling and simulation, as it relates to satellite communications functions in the context of the overall constellation Company EEO Statement Avantus Federal is an equal opportunity workplace and a Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) federal contractor. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital or veteran status, as protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by requesting an accommodations application. Avantus encourages members of historically underrepresented communities to apply and hires individuals solely based on their qualifications for the role. We strongly commit to embracing diversity and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.