SDA Test Engineer

Own Your Future.

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Test 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 through the concept of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The Test Engineer will serve as a trusted source of technical advice on the development, deployment, integration, and test of the PWSA’s Space Systems and Tactical Data Links. This position will be part of an empowered team of MTSI personnel providing SETA support to SDA in Chantilly, VA. Remote work or work from home arrangements are possible.

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 member of the SDA Test team with MTSI, you will apply knowledge and expertise to develop and execute system level test and evaluation strategies focused on the PWSA. Occasional travel will be required. Applicant will provide test and evaluation support to SDA, specifically focused on Tranche 1. This role includes supporting the development and execution of tests of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The applicant will have the opportunity to define new test process and procedures to work within SDA’s spiral delivery mechanism. Remote work is a possibility, but preferred locations are near to one of SDA’s Operations Centers: Grand Forks, ND and Huntsville AL or near SDA’s technical headquarters in Chantilly, VA.

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

• Overseeing the test planning, execution, and reporting phases of satellite and tactical data link systems
• Provides guidance in the development of test and evaluation plans and execution strategies
• Leads Integrated Test Team meetings, fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholder organizations
• Coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of ground and space segments
• Evaluating and reviewing space and ground segment vendor test cases and procedures to verify satisfaction of system requirements and ensure sufficiency of test design
• Providing technical leadership throughout the integration and test phases
• Establishing traceability between test plans and requirements
• Developing and delivering briefings for SDA leadership regarding the test program
• Ensuring that test execution remains on schedule across multiple vendors

You will provide subject matter expertise to support testing of the PWSA architecture. You will advise the vendors on the development of test strategies and will develop internal test planning documentation. You will assess the vendor’s test practices and compliance with requirements. Remote work is a possibility, but preferred locations are near SDA’s technical headquarters in Chantilly, VA or near the operations centers in Huntsville AL, or Grand Forks ND is preferred.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of relevant test experience.
• Test background (space systems and tactical data links preferred) to include test plan writing, test design, test conduct, reporting, and anomaly resolution
• 5+ years’ experience working DoD or Intelligence community test programs
• Experience in space systems integration and test
• Experience testing and integrating space systems from multiple vendors
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience in development and testing satellite tactical data links.
• Knowledge of system engineering, development, and manufacturing processes and requirements.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Statements of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statements (PWS).

Preferred/Desired Experience:

• 5+ years’ experience in the DoD or Intelligence Community
• Experience working with commercial and/or Government satellite systems
• Detailed knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Mission Planning
• Optical communications links
• Ka band communications payloads
• Tactical data links including IBS and Link 16
• IR sensor processing algorithms and sensor hardware
• Mesh networking

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)

Clearance Requirements:

• Active SECRET clearance with the ability to receive a TOP SECRET with sensitive compartmentalized information (SCI)
• Candidate must maintain a TS/SCI clearance as a condition of employment.
• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

Location/Travel Requirements:

• This position is eligible for up to 100% telework.
• This position may require travel up to 25% of time within the continental United States.

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