Assembly, Integration, & Test (AI&T) Systems Engineer

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), USAF/USSF civil engineer officers (AFSC 32E), or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel.

Job Description:

This position is for an Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The AI&T Systems Engineer provides embedded support within the Government program office to guide the concept development, verification, and deployment of a critical space system bridging the gap between system design and system deployment. 

Role Responsibilities: 

• Provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to Government Program Managers and Directors for accelerated space acquisition, mission development, contractor oversight, and enterprise-level program execution activities within an aggressive deployment schedule.
• Oversee the rapid assembly, integration, test, launch, and operational readiness of a major satellite system.
• Oversee contractor AI&T activities to ensure technical, cost, schedule, mission assurance, and performance objectives are achieved. 
• With an emphasis on cross-Contractor integration, lead and support Engineering Review Boards (ERBs), Contractor technical reviews, anomaly resolution, risk mitigation, rapid issue closure, and mission readiness.
• Support the creation and execution of a variety of acquisition plans for the system’s AI&T infrastructure, and provide technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs at major milestone reviews to assess progress, risks and issues, and the ability to achieve mission requirements.
• Support acquisition and program management activities including Statement of Work (SOW) reviews, requirements development and updates, technical evaluations, milestone payment reviews, Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) assessments, and requirements verification and sell-off.
• Interface daily with Government leadership and contractors, provide programmatic recommendations, and status updates. 
• Participate in major program reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and operational readiness reviews to assess technical maturity, integration progress, mission readiness, and contractor performance for the program.
• Develop and review system requirements, interface documentation, CONOPS products, risk assessments, compliance documentation, and technical evaluation packages
• Provide technical oversight and mission assurance support for spacecraft and payload systems, supporting root cause investigations, corrective actions, and operational planning for the spacecraft during integration, test and mission.

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience.

• Excellent interpersonal, 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 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.

•    TS/SCI Required.

•    Previous SAP experience desired.