Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Space Systems 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 PWSA consists of several layers, including the Transport Layer, the Tracking Layer, and the Support Layer. The Transport Layer provides the backbone of the PWSA through the development and deployment of optical intersatellite links on hundreds of satellites and the space-based implementation of tactical data links. The Tracking Layer provides real-time threat detection and characterization, The Support Layer enables the architecture through the development and deployment of the ground segment. The Space Systems Engineer will support the Government in all aspects of the program, including systems engineering, programmatic support, and design recommendations. SDA has successfully launched and is operating the first demonstration systems (“warfighter immersion tranche”) and requires experienced, adaptable experts comfortable in a rapid acquisition environment to plan and execute follow on capabilities. This position will be part of a team of MTSI personnel providing SETA support to SDA in Chantilly, VA. Occasional telework arrangements are possible with this role.
As a Space Systems Engineer with MTSI, you will apply knowledge and expertise to perform technical engineering support and analysis of spacecraft and payloads, including assembly, test, and integration. This position is centrally located in Chantilly, VA, with the option for occasional telework, and occasional travel may be required.
Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:
- Overseeing the design and integration of multiple space vehicles and payloads, including multiple communication payload modalities, optical intersatellite links, tactical data links, EO/IR detection sensors, and dynamic network implementations on a rapid development timeline
- Provide systems engineering guidance in the development of test and evaluation plans, system verification plans, and other systems engineering processes and documents
- Providing recommendations on systems integration and engineering baseline changes and assessing the technical maturity and risk of development projects
- Managing technical risk across the program recommending mitigation techniques
- Assisting the Government team on potential solutions across a wide variety of multi-domain, tactical, and mission area applications
- Developing CONOPs and operational plans at both the system and enterprise mission levels
- Recommending and coordinating development with related activities of other DoD and non-DoD agencies
- Assisting with analysis of the design, assembly, integration and testing, and data reduction of proposed technical solutions and formulating evaluation criteria of those solutions
- Providing lessons learned from past experience
- Driving project meetings and reviews to closure, to include technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and program management reviews, by coordinating government and contractor meeting plans, establishing objectives and entry/exit criteria for each meeting or review, and applying past experience to improve outcomes
- Assisting the Government in analyzing contractor concept designs at the system and subsystem levels
- Monitoring linkages and dependencies between space vehicle assembly, system test, ground system integration, and launch vehicle integration to coordinate technical and programmatic interactions between numerous government, contractor, and user organizations
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in satellite systems engineering
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Preferred/Desired Experience:
- 5+ years’ experience in the DoD or Intelligence Community
- Experience working with commercial and/or Government satellite systems
- Experience as a lead or chief engineer of a large satellite project
- Hands-on experience in the assembly, integration, and test of satellites and payloads
- Detailed knowledge and experience in one of the following areas:
- Satellite communications payloads
- Tactical data links including IBS or Link 16
- Optical communications links
- 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)
Certification Requirements:
Clearance Requirements:
- Active Secret Clearance (Required)
- Active Top Secret Clearance (Desired)
- TS/SCI Eligibility (Required)
- U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.
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