Manager, Mission Design and Analysis (EO/IR)

The Manager, Mission Design & Analysis Engineering (Clearance Required) leads a team of mission design and analysis engineers responsible for defining mission parameters, developing mission architectures, evaluating electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payload performance, and deriving mission requirements for advanced spacecraft developments. This role provides technical leadership for engineers performing trajectory analysis, mission planning, modeling, simulation, and system-level performance assessments to ensure spacecraft and payloads meet operational objectives. The Manager collaborates across systems, hardware, software, and operations teams to integrate mission design, EO/IR sensor capabilities, and systems engineering throughout the program lifecycle while managing technical resources, budgets, and organizational priorities.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree)
Typically 8+ years of relevant work experience in mission design and analysis
Minimum of 3 years of experience in a managerial or leadership role
Comprehensive knowledge of orbital mechanics, trajectory design, mission analysis techniques, and space mission concepts
Experience with mission design and analysis tools (e.g., STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, MATLAB, Python) for trajectory optimization, orbit determination, sensor modeling, coverage analysis, access analysis, EO/IR payload analysis, and mission performance assessment
Experience supporting EO/IR payloads, remote sensing systems, ISR missions, or sensor performance analysis
Demonstrated ability to integrate mission design activities with broader systems engineering processes
Knowledge of systems engineering standards (e.g., NASA/SP-2016-6105, INCOSE SE Handbook) and mission design alignment with these frameworks
Proven experience translating mission requirements into operational plans and procedures
Strong leadership and people management skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and resources
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, or related field
Experience managing mission design teams supporting spacecraft and launch vehicle programs
Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to space operations, orbital debris mitigation, and planetary protection requirements
Experience with requirements management, interface control, and verification & validation processes
Demonstrated success in technical risk identification and management
Experience supporting system-level trade studies and cost-benefit analysis
Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approaches and digital engineering initiatives
Experience with spacecraft systems and subsystems, EO/IR payloads, imaging sensors, remote sensing systems, and associated ground systems
Experience using STK for sensor modeling, coverage analysis, access analysis, constellation analysis, or mission planning
Experience performing EO/IR payload performance assessments, collection planning, mission effectiveness analysis, or remote sensing mission analysis
Experience with DoD modeling environments (Brawler, Suppressor, AFSIM, EADSIM, ESAMS, etc.)
Strong understanding of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensing, remote sensing architectures, space domain awareness, electronic warfare, and mission communications
Experience supporting business development, proposal preparation, and program cost and schedule management
Track record of building and developing high-performing technical teams
Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and implement organizational changes
Proven ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries and build strong stakeholder relationships