SDA Integration and Test Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Test Engineer to fill a SETA (Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Assistance) position with the Space Development Agency (SDA). SDA is breaking the norms of the DoD acquisition cycle, delivering a new tranche of hundreds of satellites every two years. SDA is a fast-paced organization and is changing the way that the Department of Defense acquires space systems through the concept of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The Test Engineer will serve as a trusted source of technical advice on the development, deployment, integration, and test of the PWSA’s Space Systems. This position will be part of an empowered team of MTSI personnel providing SETA support to SDA. The people filling these roles will reside near one of SDA’s Operations Centers in Huntsville, AL., or Grand Forks ND.

Responsibilities

As a member of the SDA Test team with MTSI, you will apply knowledge and expertise to develop and execute system level test and evaluation strategies focused on the PWSA. Occasional travel will be required. Applicant will provide test and evaluation support to SDA, specifically focused on Tranche 1. This role includes supporting the development and execution of tests of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The applicant will have the opportunity to define new test process and procedures to work within SDA’s spiral delivery mechanism. Work will be performed in one of SDA’s Operations Centers: Grand Forks, ND. and Huntsville AL.

Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:

• Serve as the Integration and Test (I&T) representative to the local Operations Centers (OC‑North and OC‑South), ensuring access requirements, coordination of team visits, and integration of test activities with local mission operations.
• Coordinate all Functional On‑Orbit Testing (FOOT/OOT) activities, including planning and procedure alignment with vendors and other government test agencies.
• Lead development and maintenance of test plans by working closely with Capability Test Teams (CTTs) and GDMS to ensure alignment with the T1 Test Point Matrix, integration of DT/OT measures, timely test plan completion, and updates driven by program changes.
• Manage test readiness and execution processes, including test interval planning, readiness reviews, scheduling, and coordination of test team roles across CTTs, SMEs, and Mission Ops.
• Serve as day‑of‑test Test Conductor/Test Lead, overseeing pre‑mission planning, real‑time test control, mission coordination, test pacing, safety decisions, and day‑of quick‑look reporting.
• Oversee post‑test activities by ensuring data availability, leading analysis efforts, supporting test report development, and providing consolidated test progress updates to leadership.
  
  

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant test experience.
• Test background (space systems and tactical data links preferred) to include test plan writing, test design, test conduct, reporting, and anomaly resolution
• 5 years’ experience working DoD or Intelligence community test programs
• Experience in space systems integration and test
• Experience testing and integrating space systems from multiple vendors
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience in development and testing satellite tactical data links.
• Knowledge of system engineering, development, and manufacturing processes and requirements.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Statements of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statements (PWS).
  
  

Preferred/Desired Experience

• 5 years’ experience in the DoD or Intelligence Community
• Experience working with commercial and/or Government satellite systems
• Detailed knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Mission Planning
• Optical communications links
• Ka band communications payloads
• Tactical data links including IBS and Link 16
• IR sensor processing algorithms and sensor hardware
• Mesh networking
  
  

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineer, systems engineering, physics, or a closely related field from an accredited university (REQUIRED)
• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineer, systems engineering, physics, or a closely related field from an accredited university (DESIRED)
  
  

Clearance Requirements

• Active SECRET clearance with the ability to receive a TOP SECRET with sensitive compartmentalized information (SCI)
• Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance as a condition of employment.
• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.
  
  

Location/Travel Requirements:

• This position is eligible for up to 100% telework.
• This position may require travel up to 15% of time within and outside the continental United States.
  
  

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