SDA Space Systems Engineer

Own Your Future.

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to fill a SETA (Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Assistance) position with the Space Development Agency (SDA).  SDA is breaking the norms of the DoD acquisition cycle, delivering a new tranche of hundreds of satellites every two years. SDA is a fast-paced organization and is changing the way that the Department of Defense acquires space systems. SDA develops the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) which consists of several layers, including the Transport Layer, the Tracking Layer, and the Support Layer. The Transport Layer provides the backbone of the PWSA through the development and deployment of optical intersatellite links on hundreds of satellites and the space-based implementation of tactical data links. The Tracking Layer provides real-time threat detection and characterization, The Support Layer enables the architecture through the development and deployment of the ground segment. The Space Systems Engineer will support the Government in all aspects of the program, including systems engineering, programmatic support, and design recommendations. The Space Systems Engineer will have the opportunity to be the lead SETA for a specific development contract within Tranche 3 of the PWSA and/or to provide mission expertise in support of the Tranche 3 systems. This position will be part of a team of MTSI personnel providing SETA support to SDA in Chantilly, VA, however, hybrid work arrangements are possible. Other locations near SDA facilities (Huntsville, AL, Colorado Springs, CO, and Grand Forks, ND) may be considered.

Why is MTSI known as a Great Place to Work?

• Interesting Work:  Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security.  
• Values: Our first core value is that employees come first.  We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry. 
• 100% Employee Ownership: we have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers.  It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year.  
• Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for: 
• Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year
• Flexible schedules
• 6% 401k match with immediate vesting
• Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and December)
• Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account
• Up to $10,000 in annual tuition reimbursement
• Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance
• Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan
• Track Record of Success:  We have grown every year since our founding in 1993

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance.

MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide.

For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com.

Responsibilities:

As a Space Systems Engineer with MTSI, you will apply knowledge and expertise to perform technical engineering support and analysis of spacecraft and payloads, including assembly, test, and integration in support of Tranche 3 missions and activities.  Occasional travel will be required. 

Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:

• Overseeing the design and integration of multiple space vehicles and payloads, including optical intersatellite links, tactical data links, EO/IR detection sensors, and dynamic network implementations on a rapid development timeline
• Providing technical expertise in one or more of the above areas, including overseeing technical integration of PWSA capabilities into the larger DoD enterprise
• Provide systems engineering guidance in the development of test and evaluation plans, system verification plans, and other systems engineering processes and documents
• Providing recommendations on systems integration and engineering baseline changes and assessing the technical maturity and risk of development projects
• Managing technical risk across the entire PWSA and recommending mitigation techniques
• Assisting the Government team on potential solutions across a wide variety of multi-domain, tactical, and mission area applications
• Developing CONOPs and operational plans at both the system and enterprise mission levels
• Recommending and coordinating development with related activities of other DoD and non-DoD agencies
• Assisting with analysis of the design, assembly, integration and testing, and data reduction of proposed technical solutions and formulating evaluation criteria of those solutions
• Providing lessons learned from past experience
• Driving project meetings and reviews to closure, to include technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and program management reviews, by coordinating government and contractor meeting plans, establishing objectives and entry/exit criteria for each meeting or review, and applying past experience to improve outcomes
• Assisting the Government in analyzing contractor concept designs at the system and subsystem levels
• Monitoring linkages and dependencies between space vehicle assembly, system test, ground system integration, and launch vehicle integration to coordinate technical and programmatic interactions between numerous Government, contractor, and user organizations

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in satellite systems engineering
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Experience working with commercial and/or Government satellite systems
• Experience or knowledge with agencies in the DoD community
• Strong work ethic with the willingness and flexibility to adapt to changing direction

Preferred/Desired Experience:

• 5+ years’ experience in the DoD or Intelligence Community
• Experience as a lead or chief engineer of a large satellite project
• Hands-on experience in the assembly, integration, and test of satellites and payloads
• Detailed knowledge and experience in one of the following areas:
  • Optical communications links
  • IR sensor processing algorithms and sensor hardware
  • Mesh networking
  • Tactical data links including IBS or Link 16

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineer, systems engineering, physics, or a closely related field from an accredited university (REQUIRED)
• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineer, systems engineering, physics, or a closely related field from an accredited university (DESIRED)

Certification Requirements:

• None

Clearance Requirements:

• Active Secret Clearance (Required)
• Active Top Secret Clearance (Desired)
• TS/SCI Eligibility (Required)
• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

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