Space Systems Engineer – Expert Level

Mission Intelligence Group is seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to support the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced space-based capabilities that enable the delivery of critical Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) mission outcomes. This high-impact role supports highly classified programs across the National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG) and Department of Defense/Intelligence Community (DoD/IC), working at the forefront of national security space operations. If you are passionate about solving complex engineering challenges in secure, mission-driven environments, we encourage you to apply.

Your Role

As a Space Systems Engineer, you will provide expert-level engineering leadership across the entire system lifecycle, from requirements development through integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance the reliability, resiliency, and effectiveness of space-based systems supporting GEOINT missions within Controlled Access Programs (CAPs) and Special Access Programs (SAPs). This role demands strong technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate successfully in highly classified environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering efforts across the full lifecycle of space-based capabilities.
• Develop and refine system requirements, architectures, and technical solutions.
• Support systems integration, deployment, and sustainment activities.
• Conduct research and development (R&D) to advance mission capabilities.
• Evaluate system reliability, resiliency, maintainability, and performance.
• Support Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities and system validation efforts.
• Analyze space environments, threats, and impacts to space-based assets.
• Collaborate with government, engineering, and mission stakeholders to ensure mission success.
• Work with data and systems operating at multiple classification levels.
• Support secure architectures and operations within CAP and SAP environments.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering and 18 years of experience, or PhD in Engineering and 10 years of experience in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical/scientific discipline.
• Experience with Integrated Protection Strategy (IPS) or integration of SSA applications.
• Experience supporting space-related activities such as:
  • SOSI
  • BMC3
  • Orbital analysis
• Experience processing and managing data at multiple classification levels.
• Demonstrated experience supporting space enterprise information needs.
• Experience with:
  • Space-to-ground environments
  • Threat assessments of space assets
• Experience applying physics models, including:
  • Space weather effects analysis
  • Threat and damage analysis of space-based objects
• Experience with space object measurement.
• Experience supporting NRO/SAO or AF SPO organizations.
• Understanding of:
  • Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes
  • MBSE tools
  • MBSE languages
• TS/SCI clearance adjudication or the ability to obtain SCI access and successfully pass a polygraph.
• Willingness to sign additional Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Ability to provide proof of Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) status for participation in KPMO programs.
• Ability to work 100% onsite in Springfield, Virginia.

Desired Qualifications

• Deep expertise in systems engineering within classified space programs.
• Experience supporting GEOINT, national security space, or intelligence community missions.
• Knowledge of secure architectures, mission resiliency, and enterprise integration strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical efforts across multiple organizations and stakeholders.
• Experience transitioning advanced technologies from R&D into operational environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills supporting senior government and mission stakeholders.

Why Mission Intelligence Group

At Mission Intelligence Group, engineers are trusted to focus on mission outcomes, not bureaucracy. You will work alongside experienced GEOINT professionals who value clear communication, disciplined engineering, and systems that work as intended in operational environments.

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401(k)
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off

Join Our Team

If you are motivated by supporting GEOINT analysts, improving mission systems, and delivering reliable capabilities to the operational community, we invite you to apply.