Ground Systems Engineer

Description

SAIC is looking for a Ground Systems Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA.  The Senior Ground Systems Engineer serves as a key technical contributor responsible for the development, integration, testing, sustainment, and modernization of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations. This position provides engineering expertise across the system lifecycle and serves as a trusted advisor for ground software, system architectures, integration activities, and operational processes.

The successful candidate will support complex ground system initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operations teams, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of critical mission capabilities. This role requires a strong understanding of ground-based space operations, systems engineering principles, software integration, and operational mission support. The engineer will also play a significant role in preserving institutional knowledge and supporting branch-level planning and execution activities.
Key Responsibilities

•    Lead and support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations.
•    Provide technical expertise for ground software, operational workflows, system architectures, and mission support processes.
•    Plan and execute system integration activities involving software, networks, databases, and operational systems to ensure interoperability and mission readiness.
•    Support system verification, validation, performance assessment, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution efforts.
•    Evaluate existing architectures and engineering processes and recommend improvements that enhance reliability, maintainability, security, and operational effectiveness.
•    Collaborate with government stakeholders, mission operators, software developers, systems engineers, and mission partners to define requirements and implement technical solutions. 
•    Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, operational procedures, system configurations, and engineering artifacts.
•    Capture, document, and transfer critical program knowledge, engineering best practices, lessons learned, and operational insights to support long-term program sustainability. 
•    Assist leadership in prioritizing engineering efforts and aligning technical activities with mission objectives and program goals.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
•    9+ years of experience supporting ground systems engineering, software integration, systems development, testing, or mission operations within the defense, intelligence, aerospace, or space domains.
•    Demonstrated experience supporting complex system integration and test activities within operational environments.
•    Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, software development lifecycles, configuration management, and verification and validation processes.
•    Experience supporting operational ground systems, mission planning systems, command and control systems, or space mission operations.
•    Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop effective engineering solutions.
•    Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and engineering artifacts.
•    Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
•    Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; eligibility for required program access.
•    Desired Qualifications
•    Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures.