Mission Analyst/Deputy IPT Lead

Duties and responsibilities

• Perform rapid optical analysis for satellite systems, including the evaluation of line-of-sight and visibility conditions to support mission planning, trajectory analysis, operations, and performance assessments
• Lead and align a multidisciplinary team of senior specialists with diverse working styles and strong technical opinions; build consensus and de-conflict competing technical priorities
• Develop and execute quick-look link budgets for satellite communication systems, considering factors such as signal-to-noise ratio, interference, attenuation, and power allocations
• Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) to apply provided access constraints and perform simple sensor modeling to support technical analysis and assessment of mission requirements
• Serve as Deputy IPT Lead (with a path to IPT Lead), supporting the lead in managing team activities, coordinating technical deliverables, and maintaining alignment with project objectives & schedules
• Provide technical coordination to a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the successful execution of key tasks related to mission analysis, system design, and performance modeling
• Act as a point of contact for technical and programmatic queries, addressing stakeholder concerns and escalating issues to senior leadership as necessary
• Support the production of detailed technical assessments and recommendations for various external customers
• Develop new tools, scripts, and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB to enhance analysis efficiency

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics and 9 or more years (7 or more with a Masters) of direct experience with the space segment of IC or DoD programs
• Professional experience in mission analysis, satellite communications, or a related technical field, with progressive responsibility in leadership or team coordination role
• Active TS/SCI Clearance with Special Access eligibility and consent to a Counter Intelligence (CI) polygraph
• US Citizenship is required
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and analysis
• Familiarity with satellite mission operations & orbital mechanics
• Experience with orbit & sensor modeling and access assessments using Systems Tool Kit (STK)
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting complex technical information to diverse stakeholder groups
• Previous experience as an IPT Lead, Deputy IPT Lead, or similar technical leadership role within space programs
• Strongly Desired Skills: Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience; experience in satellite development factory or space system program office (SPO), particularly with Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) systems; in-depth knowledge of optical payloads, including telescope systems, sensors, and imaging technologies; understanding of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) techniques; working knowledge of radar and/or optical technologies; strong understanding of satellite communication principles, including link budget analysis, signal-to-noise ratio, and RF propagation; familiarity with National Security Space architecture (IC and/or DoD)