Mission Analyst/Deputy IPT Lead

About the role

SAIC’s National Security and Space Sector (NSS) seeks a Space Mission Analysis Lead to drive mission‑critical engineering and analytical solutions for joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) space programs. Based in Aurora, Colorado, you’ll join a collaborative team of U.S. Government civilians and contractors, working on the nation’s most advanced space and counter‑space initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead rapid optical and trajectory analysis for satellite systems, supporting mission planning and performance assessments.
• Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) to apply provided access constraints and perform simple sensor modeling to support technical analysis and assessment of mission requirements.
• Develop and maintain Satellite Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for spacecraft, ground systems, payloads, and cross‑system interfaces.
• Serve as Deputy ITP lead with a path to IPT lead, supporting the lab in managing teams’ activities, coordinating technical deliverables, and maintaining alignment with project objectives and schedules.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, fostering consensus and resolving competing technical priorities.
• Develop new tools, scripts, and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB to enhance analysis efficiency.
• Maintain understanding of U.S. Space Domain (SDA) capabilities and counter‑threats.
• Develop productive relationships with Program Office, Prime and Subcontract, functional IC or DoD counterparts, and other SMEs.
• Execute link budgets for satellite communication systems, optimizing signal‑to‑noise ratio, interference, and power allocations.
• Identify and mitigate interface risks, driving technical issue resolution across engineering teams.
• Support system integration and test activities, providing authoritative documentation and clarification.
• Manage Interface Control Working Groups (ICWGs) and ensure consistent stakeholder communication.
• Develop acquisition and technical‑requirements briefings, plans, and documentation for government decision‑making.
• Champion continuous learning and adoption of cutting‑edge tools, technologies, and practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics.
• 9 or more years (7 or more with a Master’s) 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.
• Active TS/SCI Clearance with Special Access eligibility and consent to a Counter‑Intelligence (CI) polygraph.
• U.S. Citizenship 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.
• Familiarity with National Security Space architecture (IC and/or DoD).

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.

Work Environment

On‑site in Aurora, Colorado (secure facility). Minimal travel required. Standard working hours with a focus on work‑life balance.

Schedule

Full‑Time, Day shift.

Pay

Target salary range: $160,001 – $200,000 (typical range based on experience and other factors).