Systems Engineer, SME

Job Summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the United States Space Force (USSF) and its mission‑critical space operations. The role supports the Space Force Program Acquisition Executive for Infrastructure (SFPAE‑I) and Space Systems Command’s System Delta 81, providing senior‑level systems engineering expertise to advance development, acquisition, integration, and sustainment of critical capabilities supporting USSF readiness and operational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support feasibility studies and concept exploration to evaluate advanced system and capability solutions.
• Perform Design Reference Mission (DRM) engineering and mission‑level systems analysis.
• Develop and refine Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) to support mission, operational, and system requirements.
• Lead the development and management of system requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification plans, system validation activities, and operational support requirements.
• Perform change management, impact assessments, and technical analysis to support system and program objectives.
• Assess, align, and integrate Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) activities with technical efforts across SFPAE‑I and System Delta 81 (SYD 81).
• Provide senior‑level systems engineering expertise throughout Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), integration, fielding, and sustainment.
• Offer technical guidance and recommendations to government, engineering, acquisition, and program leadership to support successful system and capability delivery.

Skills and Experience

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 15+ years of relevant DoD experience supporting systems engineering, RDT&E, acquisition, or related technical programs.
• Experience supporting System Program Offices (SPOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), or system and capability delivery to SPOs/PMOs.
• Extensive experience with RDT&E and test and training materiel systems.
• Demonstrated experience with deployment, integration, operation, and sustainment of space test and training materiel systems.
• Advanced knowledge and practical application of Systems Engineering (SE) principles and processes supporting system RDT&E, integration, fielding, and lifecycle activities.
• Proficiency with Cameo Systems Modeler and Systems Modeling Language (SysML).
• Working knowledge of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) and DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) processes and artifacts.
• Experience across space technology disciplines, including space system architectures, satellite and ground segment design, EO/IR and RF sensors, astrodynamics, propulsion, GNC, space data communications, and Space Battle Management and Control.
• Ability to work full‑time on‑site and travel up to 25% as required.

Education and Certifications

Required: Master of Science (MS) degree in Systems Engineering or a related engineering field (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Software). Degrees in other STEM fields may be considered with substantial, relevant professional experience.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve extended periods of sitting or standing, typing, and reading from a computer screen. Mobility for bending, reaching, kneeling, and occasional lifting up to thirty pounds is required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Military Differential
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid federal holidays

Pay

USD $235,000.00 – $250,000.00 per year, based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, and other job‑related factors.

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. citizen with a high‑level Department of Defense active security clearance (Top Secret with SCI eligibility) or be eligible for one. Candidates will be subject to a security investigation.