Launch Operations Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

SAIC is seeking self-directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel.

Job Description:

This position is for a Launch and Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Launch and Integration Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to guide the concept development, verification, and deployment of a critical space system bridging the gap between system design and system deployment. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide programmatic and technical guidance on launch center conops for future satellite launch center.
• Establish processes, procedures, and support plans to support satellite launch activities, integration with users, and integration of systems needed to perform launch in support of the conop.
• Oversee projects from initial design (ConOps) to deployment, tracking timelines, and conducting cost-benefit and risk assessments.
• Support the planning of lunches with launch providers and launch facility.
• Coordinate schedules, logistics, and ensure documentation is in place for compliance.
• Draft specific satellite system launch requirements with use of commercial launches to ensure compatibility.
• Assess launch environments to understand risks and provide risk reduction/mitigation recommendations.
• Oversee the satellite system to launch vehicle integration providing consultation on process (identifies risks, etc.).
• Ensure launch processing and workflow optimization.
• Develop technical documentation, reviewing deliverables (such as CDRLs and SOWs), and ensuring compliance with federal or organizational policies.
• Act as the liaison between engineering teams, project managers, quality assurance, and end-users to ensure end-to-end mission success. 
• Assist in the development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs); defining the technical, electrical, and mechanical boundaries between satellites and launch vehicles.
• Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities.
• Support verification, validation, and test planning.
• Provide technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs at major milestone reviews to assess progress, risks and issues, and the ability to achieve mission requirements.
• Provide technical support to Government customer activities and programmatic processes. 
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.

• Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience.
• Experience with space systems; ability to conduct trade studies, define interfaces, and work with the developer to mature interface requirements.
• Ability to absorb extensive technical detail and logically formulate solutions for execution on an inflexible schedule, often requiring integration of conflicting and, at times, incomplete data.
• Knowledge and experience with current commercial and government launch vehicles (Falcon, etc.).
• Systems engineering and system integration experience.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community or the Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.  
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
• Active TS/SCI with current Poly Required.
• Previous SAP experience Preferred.
• Bachelors degree required/Master's degree preferred.