Spacecraft Operations & Systems Integration Engineer

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, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative, producing Results that Matter. 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 and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.

The Intelligence Programs Group (IPG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community. We support the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

About the role

SPA is looking for a Spacecraft Operations & Systems Integration Engineer with Space Domain experience in Chantilly, VA to support a dynamic and innovative space program office. This position supports the operational readiness, integration, sustainment, and performance of space-based systems throughout their lifecycle. The role serves as a critical interface between spacecraft operations teams, system developers, and factory engineering organizations to ensure capabilities are successfully integrated into operations and mission objectives are achieved.

Responsibilities

• Support anomaly management, operational integration activities, system performance monitoring, and mission readiness initiatives.
• Leverage operational data to develop performance metrics, create actionable dashboards, and identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness.
• Interface with spacecraft operations teams, system developers, and factory engineering organizations.
• Support outage response, troubleshooting, and technical investigations.
• Apply systems engineering principles, integration and test processes, and operational readiness activities.
• Participate in on-call operational support rotations.

Requirements

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at date of application.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 9+ years of experience supporting spacecraft operations, systems integration, mission operations, satellite systems, or related aerospace and defense programs.
• Experience supporting operational environments involving spacecraft systems, ground systems, mission planning systems, or command-and-control architectures.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing operational data and developing metrics, dashboards, or performance reporting tools.
• Knowledge of anomaly resolution processes, mission assurance principles, and operational risk management.
• Willingness to report to designated work location in Chantilly, up to full time, based on customer needs.

Skills

• Familiarity with spacecraft telemetry, command and control systems, mission planning systems, and operational ground architectures.
• Experience developing data analytics solutions, operational dashboards, or automated reporting capabilities.
• Experience coordinating factory acceptance testing, system verification activities, and operational capability transitions.
• Strong technical acumen, collaboration skills, and ability to challenge conventional approaches to deliver innovative solutions.

Benefits

• Health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Life and disability insurance programs.
• Paid and unpaid time away from work.

Pay

Pay Transparency Range: $150,000 – $195,000 per year. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.