Sr Space Systems Engineer

Description

SSI is seeking an experienced Senior Space Systems Engineer to support the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a bridge between CGN Space & Ground (SLE and baseline), CGN Engineering, CGM (logistics and maintenance), and future iterations of these units, supporting collaboration and resolving conflicts
• Ensure consistent, two-way communication between branches and organizations that operate independently
• Support identification, clarification, and codification of technical and programmatic risks
• Advise leadership on risk tradeoffs and propose mitigation strategies while balancing mission assurance, cost, and schedule
• Support and collaborate with the space engineering team to provide operational and sustainment subject matter expertise
• Provide SME support to the Space Control Segment, offering feedback and recommendations to the Government team
• Advise space leadership on concerns, questions, or uncertainties regarding sustainment activities
• Ensure synchronization with CGN Baseline Space/Ground, SLE Space/Ground, ILS and engineering teams
• Assess and document SLE CONOPS, crypto systems (e.g., KG505A vs KG503), and ensure compatibility between ground and space systems
• Understand and support system security and system safety efforts (e.g. COMSEC/TRANSEC, program protection, cybersecurity, etc.) across domains and their impact on system certification and accreditation processes
• Support evaluation and tracking of Technical Performance Measures
• System Engineering Boards liaison (ARB, SERB, CCB, etc.) for Space Branch, to develop, review, and comment on packages to ensure space needs/LOEs are considered for submitted packages
• Provide orbital analysis support, including collision avoidance, visualization, station keeping, and relocation
• Track ownership, status, and content of SLE/BL/Ground specifications
• Secondary reviewer for SLE CDRL (Contract Data Requirements List) deliverables
• Provide structured feedback to vendors while maintaining neutrality, integrity, and fairness
• Review documentation in the vendor library; act as a backup reviewer to the Space Lead
• Review technical documents, files, emails, etc., and provide feedback and recommendations to the Government team (such as, but not limited to, On Orbit Handbook (OOH), Operational Perform File (OPF), Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM))
• Collaborate, author, and assist with writing contract task orders, Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), etc.
• Support and facilitate Quarterly Constellation Status reviews and Space Sustainment Quarterly meetings
• Collaborate with the Narrowband SATCOM Product Support Manager (PSM) and operations stakeholders, providing SME-level sustainment support and transition-to-ops planning
• Contribute and collaborate to the development and sustainment of long-term goals (e.g., 5-year roadmap, advanced concepts, Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC) mission designs, etc.)
• Assist the Integrated Master Scheduler by communicating Space Branch activities and timelines to ensure accurate schedule outputs

Requirements

• Active Secret Security Clearance
• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Space Operations, or Physics; or equivalent technical field. Will substitute 8 years in lieu of a degree in addition to the required experience outlined above (minimum 18 years of experience without a degree)
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in satellite systems engineering
• Strong understanding of both space and ground domains, including cryptographic systems, systems security, program protection and the ability to evaluate compatibility and risks across platforms
• Experience with MUOS or similar satellite systems is preferred
• Expert ability to identify, assess, and communicate technical and programmatic risks; advise on risk tradeoffs, and develop mitigation strategies that balance cost, schedule, and mission assurance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
• Master's degree in a relevant field
• Experience with satellite, ground, and cryptographic systems and sustainment operations
• Knowledge of military satellite communications systems and protocols
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for satellite systems engineering

SSI is committed to non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on any characteristics protected by law.

SSI is a HUBZone small business that provides professional services including systems engineering, information systems integration, and technology management services.  SSI offers a generous array of benefits including: Employee Medical, Vision, Dental, and Prescription Drug Insurance Plans, 60% paid premium for dependents.  SSI provides Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability benefits at no cost. SSI employees receive 24 paid days off in the first year on board.  We also provide Military Leave benefits, a 401(k) Retirement Plan, education assistance, Personal Technology Refresh and Employee Referral bonuses. Positions subject to Service Contract Act (SCA) have benefits provided as required by law.