Systems Engineer

Description

SAIC's Horizon program is seeking a highly skilled and multidisciplinary Senior Systems Engineer to lead technical acquisition efforts, system integration, and engineering oversight within the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Surveillance & Reconnaissance (S&R) mission areas. This role requires extensive expertise in systems engineering, architecture development, requirements definition, risk management, and technical program integration to support the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC), adhering to the Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) approach for rapid capability fielding. This position is located in El Segundo, CA.

Embedded in the Government's Space Reconnaissance team, you will provide critical technical leadership and ensure successful end-to-end system acquisition, integration, and delivery of the next generation of space-based SDA and S&R capabilities. The role focuses heavily on applying systems engineering principles to develop and integrate space, ground, and communication segments, ensuring technical excellence, innovation, and alignment with mission objectives.

Key Responsibilities - Driving Mission Success through Systems Engineering

• Lead the end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements definition, integration, testing, and verification.
• Develop and manage technical baselines, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and system performance goals.
• Oversee technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and evaluate contractor designs to ensure alignment with mission objectives.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks through detailed analyses and trade studies.
• Direct the integration of space, ground, and communication segments to ensure system readiness.
• Apply advanced configuration and change management practices to maintain consistency and traceability.
• Collaborate with government and contractor teams, facilitating cross-functional reviews and technical interchange meetings (TIMs).
• Align technical strategies with the Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) philosophy to enable rapid capability delivery.

Qualifications

Qualifications - What You Bring to the Team

• We're looking for an exceptional systems engineer who can innovate in complex, fast-paced environments and drive technical success at every stage of the systems development lifecycle. Minimum qualifications for the role include:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with 14+ years of experience in systems engineering, integration, and lifecycle management within the Department of Defense (DoD) environment.
• Expertise in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) systems, including sensor networks, data pipelines, analytics platforms, space object tracking techniques, data fusion, orbit determination, and conjunction assessment.
• Strong knowledge of DoDI 5000.02 Major Capability Acquisition System processes, JCIDS processes, and the PPBE process, with practical experience in applying acquisition policies to systems engineering.
• Proficiency in developing and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system architectures, and requirements traceability matrices.
• Experience applying system modeling and simulation tools, risk analysis frameworks, and technical data reviews.
• Security Clearance: Currently hold an in-scope security background investigation (T5), adjudicated for SCI eligibility, and enrolled in the Continuous Vetting Program (if applicable).

Preferred Qualifications - What Sets You Apart

• Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Professional certifications, such as INCOSE CSEP, DoD DAWIA Level III in Systems Engineering, or other recognized credentials.
• Experience with space-based technologies, such as electro-optical (EO) payloads, algorithms for space object detection, and SDA data processing/storage systems.
• Familiarity with operational needs and constraints in space units such as Delta 9, NSDC, JTF-SD, or CSpOC.
• Prior leadership on U.S. military space acquisition programs, particularly within SDA/S&R, including experience in requirements management, test planning, and risk management.
• Hands-on experience with space control mission areas and advanced SDA technologies, including rapid prototyping.
• Direct support of USSF/SSC space programs with demonstrated results in technical and mission alignment.

Why Join SAIC's Horizon Program?
At SAIC, we deliver mission-critical solutions using advanced systems engineering and technical expertise. By joining the Horizon program, you'll be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge systems that drive U.S. Space Force capabilities forward. This is a rare opportunity to apply your technical skills to define the future of space superiority while collaborating across some of the most innovative teams in national security and defense.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.