Engineer Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job ID: T2512337

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-03-05

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE

Description

Join a winning team!! SAIC is currently hiring to advance space capabilities supporting our Department of Defense (DOD) and Intelligence Community customers. Ten miles from the SAIC headquarters, our Chantilly, VA team supports systems development, targeting & intelligence analysis, systems engineering & integration and more.

This position is for a Satellite System Engineering Manager for a large, multi-year contract supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Satellite System Engineering Manager leads a proven technical team of system engineers and satellite subject matter experts. In partnership with the SAIC Program Management Team, the Satellite System Engineering Manager is a servant leader that guides the team’s support to multiple satellite programs, relays guidance from the PM, and serves as the voice of the team to improve culture. The Satellite System Engineering Manager also directly supports multiple satellite missions providing system engineering expertise through the system’s lifecycle.

Role Responsibilities:

• Be a servant leader to a team of 8-10 satellite system engineers. Be the voice of the team, collaborate with Govt and SETA mission leadership to apply staff to critical SE and SME roles across multiple satellite missions, and implement PM guidance to execute the program.
• Develop decision briefings for senior leadership reflecting deep analysis of alternative views and options. Facilitate meetings with SMEs across the program to collect input.
• Collaborate with customers to develop and implement systems by providing technical oversight and satellite system engineering expertise throughout the project lifecycle ensuring alignment with mission objectives and timelines.
• Oversee prime contractors’ development and ensure systems meet customer requirements, risk tolerance, budget, and schedule, while assessing technical solutions and recommending Courses of Action (COA).
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team including hardware and software, to ensure system integration and mission success. Foster communication and alignment among team members to identify challenges and corresponding solutions.
• Evaluate prime contractor performance at milestone reviews by analyzing compliance with technical requirements, and quality of deliverables. Offer recommendations to improve project outcomes and likelihood of success.
• Identify and manage risks throughout the systems engineering lifecycle by conducting risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, and monitoring potential impacts on mission objectives.

Qualifications

• Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community and/or the Department of Defense Program Office best practices.
• Bachelors and 14 years of relevant experience; OR Masters and 12 years of relevant experience.
• At least 6 years experience working on a Government or Commercial satellite program as a lead system engineer or subject matter expert.
• 3 years experience as a manager supervising staff including coordinating with Contract PM and Corporate leadership.
• Effective interpersonal skills (across multiple groups, offices, and organizations) and strong briefing and writing skills. 
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
• Ability to communicate to a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.

Desired Qualifications:

• PMI PMP or DAWIA Level 3+ certification. Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Program Management Level III+ certifications.
• Government or Commercial experience as a COTR, PM, PEM or acquisition leader.