Principal Radar Systems Engineer

Job Title: Sr Space-Based Radar Systems Engineer (Air Moving Target Indicator)

Job Description

This role supports a government program office responsible for developing and deploying a space-based Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) system. You will serve as a subject matter expert, providing independent technical assessment, systems engineering expertise, and mission-focused insight across the full lifecycle from design through launch and early operations. You will work in a high-visibility, fast-paced environment, partnering directly with government leadership and industry teams to ensure the success of a next-generation space-based radar mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent technical assessment of contractor designs, architectures, and performance for a space-based AMTI radar system.
• Support the full systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements development, design reviews, integration, test, verification, and transition to operations.
• Evaluate radar payload performance, including modeling, simulations, and system-level trade studies to optimize mission effectiveness.
• Assess RF payload and RF hardware development, including production testing and performance verification.
• Support Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering activities, including system performance modeling and multi-sensor integration using SysML tools.
• Analyze and validate end-to-end mission performance across the sensor, space vehicle, ground segment, processing, and dissemination chain.
• Participate in and support major program design and technical reviews, providing informed technical recommendations.
• Identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and provide clear, actionable recommendations to government leadership.
• Develop and deliver briefings, technical reports, and decision support materials for stakeholders and program decision-makers.
• Collaborate closely with government and contractor teams using MBSE and collaboration tools such as Cameo and Confluence.
• Support integration and test campaigns for space vehicles, payloads, and ground systems, ensuring mission requirements are met.
• Contribute to launch site operations and early on-orbit checkout activities as needed.
• Bridge communication between government and industry partners, ensuring technical issues, risks, and opportunities are clearly understood and addressed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 10 years of experience in aerospace, space systems, or defense programs.
• Demonstrated experience across the full system lifecycle, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and operations.
• Strong experience in space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, radar systems, or RF payloads.
• Hands-on experience with radar system design or radar signal processing.
• Experience with RF payload development and production testing.
• Experience in performance modeling and estimation, such as detection, tracking, and coverage analysis.
• Experience with mission data processing or ground system architectures.
• Proficiency with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML tools, such as Cameo or MagicDraw.
• Ability to assess contractor technical performance and provide independent, objective recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing leadership.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Prior experience supporting a government program office in a SETA or similar advisory role.
• Familiarity with Department of Defense and Intelligence Community acquisition processes, including JCIDS and the DoD 5000 series.
• Experience working with prime contractors and major subcontractors on complex space or defense programs.
• Experience in satellite and payload engineering, including space vehicle and space bus integration.
• Experience with crypto integration in space systems.
• Experience with multi-sensor integration and data fusion for ISR missions.
• Experience in radar payload integration and space vehicle/bus integration.
• Experience with performance modeling and estimation for space-based radar or ISR systems.
• Experience with mission data processing pipelines and ground system architectures.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment supporting government stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in a secure facility in Chantilly, Virginia, in a building located across from a major national reconnaissance organization. You will work primarily in an office and classified lab environment alongside a team of approximately ten engineers focused on a space-based AMTI radar program. The role involves close collaboration with government program office personnel, industry partners, and other technical experts, using modern digital engineering and collaboration tools such as Cameo and Confluence. Work is mission-driven and fast-paced, with periodic support to integration and test campaigns and potential support to launch site operations and early on-orbit activities. The environment emphasizes teamwork, technical excellence, and clear communication to support critical national security space missions. Standard professional office attire is expected in this customer-facing setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chantilly, VA.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $122.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Chantilly,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $65 - $122