Senior Systems Engineer – Space Vehicle Vendor (SVV) Technical & Programmatic Support

MTSI is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide SETA support to SDA communication satellite development and operational support. This position fills a critical role supporting a Space Vehicle Vendor (SVV) and requires hands‑on expertise in readiness assessments, verification and validation, flight software risk reduction, and launch readiness activities.

The successful candidate will directly advise SDA program leadership, evaluate vendor performance, and ensure satellites are safe, compliant, and ready for shipment, launch, and early on-orbit operations.

This position directly supports government program managers through technical assessments, risk analysis, system engineering rigor, and coordination across multiple SDA technical and programmatic teams.

Key Responsibilities

Space Vehicle Readiness & Review Support

• Assess SVV readiness for shipment and launch by conducting detailed evaluations of End Item Data Packages (EIDPs), performance data, and configuration documentation.
• Lead or support Major Program Reviews, identify liens, and coordinate closure actions with both SDA and vendor stakeholders.
• Develop, update, and brief the Launch Statement of Risks, informing enterprise leadership of risk posture prior to launch.
• Evaluate SVV hardware and flight software maturity and performance
• Conduct detailed reviews of SVV Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs), assess credibility and risk, and provide recommendations to SDA program leadership.
• Track blockers, identify schedule risks, and work with SDA software and navigation teams to mitigate constraints.

Requirements Verification & Waiver Assessment

• Receive, review, and coordinate requirements verification
• Evaluate SVV payload and subsystem performance against contractual requirements, waivers, and descope impacts.
• Support Requirements Review Boards by identifying requirement ambiguities or misalignments and recommending resolution paths. Risk, Waiver & Performance Tracking
• Continuously track SVV risks, waivers, and vendor performance to provide data-driven insights to senior government leadership.
• Conduct systems-level assessments to ensure SVV safe-to-operate status across on-orbit phases.

Program Integration & Coordination

• Support SDA program managers through weekly activity reports, leadership reviews, progress-to-plan assessments, and schedule reviews.
• Coordinate technical discussions between SDA, launch providers, SVV engineering teams, and SDA’s Chief Engineer.

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related technical field; Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in space systems engineering, spacecraft integration & test (I&T), or satellite program management.
• Direct experience with space vehicle readiness processes.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft flight software development, verification, anomaly resolution, and operational risk management.
• Experience evaluating contractor performance, schedules, risks, and technical artifacts in a SETA-like role.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and provide concise, technically accurate recommendations to government decision makers.
• Proven ability to lead cross-organizational technical efforts and manage parallel actions across government, contractor, and integrator teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting SDA, Space Force, NASA, Missile Defense Agency, or other space acquisition organizations.
• Familiarity with satellite bus subsystems including guidance/navigation & control (GNC), communications payloads, or mission operations.
• Understanding of Agile program execution, risk processes, and systems engineering best practices.
• Experience with launch vehicle integration and mission readiness processes.

Travel: Up to 25%

The pay range for this position in Chantilly is $150,000 to $220,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.

The pay range for this position in Colorado Springs is $150,000 to $220,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.

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