Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Systems Engineer (Technical Oversight)
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Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Systems Engineer (Technical Oversight)
Location
Chantilly, VA, United States
Experience
Senior
Posted
Jul 10, 2026
Apply by
August 9, 2026
Applicants
0
Early applicantEasy applyFull-timeWork from Office
Job Description
Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.
SAIC is seeking self-directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel.
Job Description:
This position is for a Cislunar Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Systems Engineer (Technical Oversight) in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Cislunar SDA Systems Engineer (Technical Oversight) is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) providing critical technical oversight and advisory support for advanced national security space missions. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in complex multi-body dynamics and advanced orbit determination techniques required for tracking, characterizing, and maintaining custody of objects in the cislunar regime.
Role Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of system level requirements for assigned systems and the design features that satisfy these requirements.
- Support full lifecycle engineering reviews to demonstrate the design meets all specifications and customer requirements.
- Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, technical accuracy, and sufficiency of design details to meet program requirements and objectives.
- Participate in technical interchange meetings between developers and contractors.
- Evaluate vendor proposals and review technical reports, design artifacts, and program plans.
- Serve as a system engineering liaison to other divisions in the SPO.
- Conduct trade studies to define and refine requirements for future satellite capabilities
- Support acquisition documentation development (CDRLs, SOWs, MPPs, etc) related to ground systems
- Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness
- Resolve highly complex and multi-dimensional problems requiring consideration of variables that impact multiple aspects of the project/program.
- Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.
- Evaluate contractor system architectures.
- Assess the utility and integration of commercial SDA data sources.
- Support the transition of next-generation cislunar capabilities into operational enterprise frameworks.
### Qualifications
- TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
- Experience providing systems engineering support and technical guidance in the acquisition, development, and deployment of satellite ground systems.
- Ability to work in a very dynamic environment and effectively interact with numerous DOD, military/civilian personnel and industry partners.
- Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
- Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
- Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
- Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
- Active TS/SCI with current Poly Required.
- Previous SAP experience Preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree required / Master’s degree preferred.
### About the Company
[SAIC®](http://www.saic.com/) is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit [saic.com](http://www.saic.com/). For ongoing news, please visit our [newsroom](http://www.saic.com/who-we-are/newsroom/).
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain understanding of system-level requirements and design features.
- Support full lifecycle engineering reviews to demonstrate design compliance.
- Review Contract Data Requirements List deliverables for technical accuracy and sufficiency.
- Participate in technical interchange meetings between developers and contractors.
- Evaluate vendor proposals and review technical reports and design artifacts.
- Serve as a system engineering liaison to other divisions.
- Conduct trade studies to define and refine requirements for future satellite capabilities.
- Support acquisition documentation development including CDRLs, SOWs, and MPPs.
- Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness.
- Resolve highly complex and multi-dimensional problems impacting multiple project aspects.
- Develop documents and briefings to communicate work status to Government and industry.
- Evaluate contractor system architectures.
- Assess the utility and integration of commercial SDA data sources.
- Support the transition of next-generation cislunar capabilities into operational enterprise frameworks.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
Skills Required
Systems EngineeringRequirements DevelopmentArchitectureSE MilestonesCDRLSOWMPPMulti-body DynamicsOrbit DeterminationSatellite Ground SystemsAcquisition DocumentationLeadershipProblem solvingCommunicationTeam buildingAdaptabilityInitiativeInterpersonal skillsSAP
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