SME - Space Test & Evaluation

Saratoga Group is a national security advisory firm dedicated to helping businesses and government agencies harness emerging technologies. We provide the strategic guidance and tactical execution needed to navigate complex acquisition challenges. Unlike traditional defense contractors, we operate as a boutique strategic partner, integrating specialized business services—synchronizing business development, government relations, and venture capital—to support the national security and dual-use technology markets.

About the role

Saratoga Group is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Space Test & Evaluation to lead strategic T&E efforts for U.S. Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) and related portfolios. In this role, you will shape the T&E strategy that validates critical mission capabilities, serving as a senior advisor bridging technical engineering, acquisition strategy, and operational utility. You will lead the planning, coordination, and analysis of complex space systems testing to ensure emerging technologies are rigorously evaluated before reaching the warfighter.

Responsibilities

• Strategic T&E Leadership: Lead the design and execution of comprehensive test campaigns, including Developmental Testing (DT), Operational Testing (OT), and Integrated Test & Evaluation (IT&E) for space systems.
• Acquisition & Compliance: Navigate the DoD acquisition lifecycle, ensuring T&E master plans (TEMP) align with Space Force acquisition milestones and compliance requirements.
• Advanced Analysis: Oversee the use of Modeling & Simulation (M&S) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) to predict system effectiveness; interpret complex data sets to provide "go/no-go" recommendations to senior government leadership.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary liaison between program offices, developmental contractors, and operational test agencies, facilitating cross-functional coordination to resolve technical anomalies.
• Documentation & Reporting: Author and review high-level test plans, safety packages, and technical reports with precision and clarity suitable for senior executive review.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in Systems Engineering or Test & Evaluation within the DoD ecosystem (specifically Space Force or Air Force).
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of space system architectures, orbital mechanics, and sensor modalities (EO/IR/RF).
• Methodology: Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DoE), regression testing, and statistical analysis for complex systems.
• Clearance: Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance is strictly required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a relevant technical field.
• Graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School (Space Test Course) or equivalent specialized T&E training.
• DAU Test and Evaluation Level III certification (or equivalent).
• Previous experience as a Space Weapons Officer (13S) or extensive familiarity with STARCOM Test and Evaluation Squadrons (TES).

Benefits

• Impact: Your work directly influences how the USSF adopts and validates cutting-edge technology.
• Culture: Join a team of high-performers operating at the intersection of strategy, technology, and government.

Some job roles may be limited to US Persons (22 CFR 120.62 “U.S. person”). Saratoga Group does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Pay

$155,000 - $195,000 USD per year (Colorado Springs).