Systems Engineer (SETA)

SAIC is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Acquisition Systems Engineer Technical Advisor (SETA) in Aurora, CO. This Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide critical technical and programmatic advisory services to a Government Program Office, supporting the development and execution of acquisition plans. The successful candidate will drive strategic alignment, oversee programmatic execution, and streamline processes to accelerate mission. This work will be performed in the Aurora area. Top Secret (TS) /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance with current polygraph is required to start and must be maintained. Targeted compensation is $170,000.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquisition Strategy & Documentation: Assist the Government Program Manager in developing acquisition artifacts, including Market Research Reports, Statements of Work (SOW), Acquisition Strategy Council (ASC) briefings, and Justification and Approvals (J&As).


• Technical Evaluation: Provide expert guidance and technical analysis during proposal evaluations (both technical and cost) for source selections, ensuring program objectives meet stringent technical performance requirements.


• Contract Execution Oversight: Monitor technical efforts under NRO operational contracts to ensure satisfaction of requirements and track performance metrics.


• Mission Integration & Readiness: Ensure end-to-end operational readiness for new satellite missions, including the successful delivery of ground systems and completion of systems tests and operational exercises.


• Risk & Feasibility Advising: Advise leadership on the technical feasibility of planned courses of action, including detailed assessments of cost, schedule, performance, and risk mitigation strategies.


• Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as a primary interface between the government, prime contractors, and mission partners to synchronize technical efforts and de-conflict programmatic schedules.

Required Qualifications:  

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Active TS/SCI with CI polygraph required to start and must be maintained.
• Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)* and nine (9) years or more experience; or master’s in STEM field and seven (7) years or more experience. *contract requirement
• Innovative, and highly motivated Acquisition Engineer well-versed in acquisition process, contracts management, budget planning.
• Experience with government acquisition manuals (NAM, FAR).
• Expert level knowledge of SIGINT space and ground architecture.
• Familiar with systems engineering and systems development processes.
• Strong data analysis and data visualization skills.
• Polished communicator and proven collaborator; demonstrated ability to coordinate across all levels of government to ensure contracts effectively deliver required services and capabilities.
• Must be a self-starter, able to proactively address customer requirements with no supervision and be expert at defining solutions for broad, abstract topics.
• Familiar with systems development methodologies (e.g Agile, DevSecOps, Spiral, Waterfall, etc.)
• Familiar with Jira and Confluence.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Office applications primarily Excel.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiar with Digital Engineering/Model Based Systems Engineering.
• Familiar with AI applications.