Satellite Calibration Engineer

FTS International, LLC (FTS) is committed to providing the Federal Government with quality consultants and support. To ensure mission success we focus on putting our customers first while minimizing corporate bureaucracy on our staff. We provide Subject Matter Experts (SME) free of Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) focused on independent analysis and mission support services within the disciplines of Engineering, Counter Terrorism Operations, Management, Information Technology, Signals Analysis, Administration, Cyber Security and Linguistics.

FTS has an opportunity for a Satellite Calibration Engineer in Chantilly, VA.

The Satellite Calibration Engineer supports the calibration, characterization, and performance assessment of satellite payloads and mission data products.

Responsibilities

• Lead calibration and characterization activities for satellite payloads, sensors, and mission data products
• Develop and refine calibration algorithms, models, and performance metrics to ensure mission accuracy and reliability
• Analyze payload telemetry, mission data, and system performance trends to identify anomalies and recommend corrective actions
• Support end-to-end system calibration across space, ground, and mission processing segments
• Collaborate with systems engineers, mission analysts, and government stakeholders to ensure calibration approaches align with NRO mission needs
• Conduct technical assessments, modeling, and simulation to evaluate calibration impacts on mission performance
• Support integration, verification, and validation of calibration processes within operational ground systems
• Generate technical documentation, calibration plans, performance reports, and engineering artifacts in accordance with NRO standards
• Participate in technical reviews, readiness events, and mission rehearsals

Required Skills/Qualifications

• TS/SCI with polygraph
• BS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) in engineering discipline
• 10+ years of experience supporting satellite systems, payload engineering, calibration, or mission data processing
• Strong understanding of satellite payload behavior, sensor physics, signal processing, and calibration methodologies
• Proficiency with analytical tools and engineering environments (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multi-contractor, mission-driven environment

Desired Skills/Qualifications

• MS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) in engineering discipline
• Experience supporting space or ground systems for the Intelligence Community or DoD
• Experience with SIGINT and/or transport mission systems
• Experience with enterprise engineering frameworks, mission assurance processes, and calibration standards

FTS International, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer - vets/disabled.