SME System Engineer

SME System Engineers to provide SETA (Systems Engineering & Technical Assistance) support to a government program office responsible for the development and deployment of a space-based Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) system.

This role places you at the center of a high-visibility, fast-paced program, working directly with government leadership and industry partners to ensure mission success. You will provide independent technical assessment, systems engineering expertise, and mission-focused insight across the full lifecycle from design through launch and early operations.

If you’re a technically strong engineer who thrives in a government advisory role, understands how to bridge government and industry, and wants to contribute to a next-generation space-based radar mission, we encourage you to apply.

In this role, you will:

• Provide independent technical assessment of contractor designs, architectures, and performance
• Support systems engineering lifecycle activities, including requirements development, design reviews, integration, test, and verification
• Evaluate radar payload performance, modeling, and system-level trade studies
• Assess RF hardware development and production testing
• Support Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering efforts, including system performance modeling and multi-sensor integration
• Analyze and validate end-to-end mission performance (sensor, ground, processing, dissemination)
• Participate in and support major program design reviews
• Provide technical risk identification and mitigation recommendations to government leadership
• Develop and deliver briefings and decision support materials for senior stakeholders
• Collaborate with government and contractor teams using tools such as Cameo, Tableau, and Confluence

Do you have experience in Systems integration?, Do you have a Master’s degree?, * Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field (Master’s or PhD preferred)

• Active Top Secret SCI with CI Poly or the ability to get a CI Poly after hire
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, space systems, or defense programs
• Demonstrated experience across the full system lifecycle (requirements, design, integration, test, and operations)
• Strong background in space-based ISR systems, radar systems, or RF payloads
• Experience with one or more of the following:
• Radar system design or radar signal processing
• RF payload development and production testing
• Performance modeling and estimation (e.g., detection, tracking, coverage)
• Mission data processing or ground system architectures
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML tools (e.g., Cameo/MagicDraw)
• Ability to assess contractor technical performance and provide independent recommendations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior leadership

Preferred Additional Skills and Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting a government program office (SETA or similar role)
• Familiarity with DoD/IC acquisition processes (JCIDS, DoD 5000 series)
• Experience working with prime contractors and major subcontractors
• Background in:
• Satellite and payload engineering
• Communications systems and architectures
• Crypto integration in space systems
• Multi-sensor integration and data fusion
• Experience supporting:
• Integration & test campaigns
• Launch site operations and readiness reviews
• Early orbit operations/commissioning
• Proficiency with tools such as:
• Cameo/MagicDraw
• Tableau
• Confluence, Jira, DOORS
• Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical tools, To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.