SDA Ground Segment Systems Engineer

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of the Space Development Agency's (SDA) groundbreaking Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, providing technical leadership and expertise across the ground segment lifecycle to ensure mission objectives are achieved.

As an SDA Ground Segment Operations and Sustainment Engineering you will provide technical leadership and expertise for the Space Development Agency's (SDA) ground segment lifecycle activities. This role encompasses system design, integration, testing, and sustainment across SDA programs, ensuring operational continuity and mission success. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to drive collaboration, oversee ground system performance, manage configuration changes, and support comprehensive testing and anomaly resolution. Additionally, you will facilitate the integration of new systems and capabilities, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and fostering continuous improvement throughout the lifecycle of ground segment activities. This position will be located at our customer site in Grand Forks North Dakota.

Role and Responsibilities*

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

• Technical Leadership and Integration Engineering Services
• Provide technical leadership across all phases of the ground segment lifecycle, including design, development, integration, testing, deployment, operations, and sustainment.
• Support the Space Development Agency's (SDA) tranche-wide ground program operations for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
• Mission Requirements and Operational Readiness
• Ensure ground segment systems meet mission requirements and are prepared for operational readiness.
• Develop and maintain lifecycle documentation, including system requirements, design specifications, and operational procedures.
• System Design and Integration
• Collaborate with satellite and ground contractors, government teams, and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of ground systems with space segment assets.
• Evaluate system architectures and recommend improvements to enhance performance and reliability.
• Coordination with SDA Teams and Program Objectives
• Work closely with SDA government teams, contractors, and external stakeholders to ensure unity of effort and alignment with program objectives.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to cross-functional teams while fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Represent SDA in program technical reviews and technical meetings.
• Integration and Checkout (INCO) Activities
• Coordinate and execute INCO activities at Operations Centers (OCs).
• Lead change management and configuration control processes to maintain operational continuity.
• End-to-End Test and System Performance
• Support anomaly resolution, evaluate system performance, monitor Key Performance Indicators, and ensure compatibility with mission requirements.
• Drive end-to-end test planning and execution.
• Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
• Actively collaborate across SDA teams, Mission Partners, and Joint Warfighters.
• Focus on continuous improvement, refinement of processes, and documentation of best practices to meet enterprise objectives.

Qualifications and Education Requirements*

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in ground system operations, sustainment engineering, or related technical field.
• Proven track record of supporting the design, integration, and operational readiness of ground system architecture for space-based systems
• Strong knowledge of satellite operations, ground stations, and mission operations
• Experience in integration, testing, and deployment of ground systems in support of space segment assets
• Ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including satellite vendors, ground contractors, government representatives, and other stakeholders
• Aptitude for evaluating system performance and recommend enhancements to improve reliability and mission success

Preferred/Desired Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in testing, evaluating, and delivering ground segment systems that support operational warfighter capabilities within the Department of War (DoW)
• At least 5 years of experience on space programs within the DoW or Intelligence community, with a focus on ground segment integration, sustainment, and mission operations
• Direct experience operating and supporting ground systems for multi-satellite constellations, with a focus on enhancing system performance and ensuring operational readiness
• Proven ability to integrate ground system solutions developed by multiple contractors, ensuring seamless compatibility and alignment with program requirements and mission objectives

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. (REQUIRED)
• Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. (DESIRED)

Certification Requirements:

• None

Clearance Requirements:

This role will require the person to obtain and maintain a Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI) security clearance.

• Active Secret Clearance is required to start
• Active Top Secret Clearance (Desired)
• TS/SCI Eligibility (Desired)
• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

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