Space Communication Systems Engineer

Job ID 2611666

Location Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted 2026-07-24

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Systems Engineer

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain None

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is seeking a Space Communication Systems Engineer to support the NRO GEOINT System Integration and Architecture (GSIA) office. This is a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support position to assist in defining the future space communication architecture. The candidate will support and lead space capability studies and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). Qualified candidates must possess demonstrated satellite experience, and be able to provide technical and programmatic insight on the wide variety of space communication system capabilities. The successful candidate will work both independently and in a dynamic team-based environment.

Key duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Work in an interactive team environment with Government customer leads and other subject matter experts to directly support GSIA as the office responsible for GEOINT space capability studies for the NRO.
• Participate in external, program office, and developer-sponsored forums (e.g., working groups, IPTs, and boards) to ensure GSIA program office equities are protected.
• Assess technical performance and modeling and simulation results. Identify risks to program plans and schedules, and support development of acquisition plans.
• Assist with the execution of design trade studies. Evaluate system and architecture designs, as necessary, to determine if the proposed architecture and supporting system capabilities are adequate to meet the required performance thresholds.
• Coordinate across Government teams to research, gather, conceptualize, identify, and capture architecture and system requirements.
• Assist in managing requirements development, flow-down, and traceability.
• Support acquisition planning activities and document preparation for Government review and approval.
• Expect travel within the U.S. approximately 10% of the time.
  
  

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. (preferred) in STEM, Systems Engineering, or Project Management. Bachelors and 14 years or more experience; Masters and 12 or more years experience; PhD and 9 or more years experience.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 10 or more years of experience with communication systems and the NRO enterprise.
• Knowledge of National space systems, NRO infrastructure, communication networks, and ground processing networks.
• Understanding of the current and potential capabilities of space communication system providers and their satellite systems, including distributed and proliferated communication systems.
• Strong systems engineering, program management, and or configuration management skills.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to establish trust-relationships to help guide high functioning multi-faceted teams.
• Experience leading high performance technical teams and demonstrated ability to simultaneously perform multiple tasks.
• Proven technical expertise and communications skills that demonstrate the ability to interface with all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct analysis and evaluations – making recommendations and providing professional advice and assistance to include preparing reports and presentation briefings.
• Ability to apply domain knowledge and summarize information/findings for presentation to Government leadership.
• Skilled/comfortable working in high-tempo environment, able to be flexible and to adjust to dynamic technical guidance.
  
  

Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.