Space Vehicle Test Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high‑impact technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, SPA is known for continuous innovation for government customers in the US and abroad. The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA, including enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test planning and execution, cost estimating, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. The Intelligence Programs Group (IPG) within this division offers systems engineering and advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community, supporting agencies such as the NGA, NRO, and NASA.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support, coaching, and mentoring to the government on ongoing Space Vehicle Assembly Integration and Test (SV AI&T) activities across geographically dispersed contractor facilities.
• Coordinate related scopes of work, including major program reviews such as the SV Pre‑Ship Review (PSR).
• Support the Government Program Office Coordinator (GPOC) overseeing SV AI&T by delivering critical insight into the prime contractor’s execution of AI&T.
• Create unique work products and proactively address strategic needs.
• Collaborate with diverse teams and maintain strong communication throughout high‑pressure environments.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at the time of application (specific polygraph requirements to be discussed with SPA Talent Acquisition).
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• 9 years of experience in Space Vehicle Assembly Integration and Test (SV AI&T).
• Familiarity with DoW/IC acquisition processes, program requirements, and Statement of Work (SOW) compliance.
• Strong organizational and communication skills in high‑pressure environments.
• Experience reviewing installation/test procedures, monitoring execution, identifying risks, resolving discrepancies, and providing on‑site support.

Desired Qualifications

• INCOSE, ESEP, or CSEP certification.
• Master’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Background as an intelligence analyst with proven ability to communicate with analytical communities.
• Thorough understanding of space systems design, integration, test requirements, and test execution, including test equipment support.
• Experience with Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) construction and Earned Value Management processes.

Pay

Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $125,000 – $190,000 per year. SPA offers a robust total compensation package that includes competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and programs that provide both paid and unpaid time away from work. Specific options vary based on eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire.