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Permanent Space Science Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Principal Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$108K - $200K/yr

No At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using ... Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field * 9+ years of ...

Microfabrication Engineer

Greenbelt, MD ยท On-site

$95K - $145K/hr

... space and scientific missions. The candidate will operate within a cleanroom environment and ... US Citizenship or lawful permanent US residency required. Desired Qualifications * Master's or PhD ...

Experienced Data Scientist

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$137K - $186K/yr

The Boeing Company The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) organization, Intelligence Systems ... Assisting with system designs to enable data science capabilities * Assisting with maintaining data ...

Experienced Data Scientist

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$137K - $186K/yr

The Boeing Company The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) organization, Intelligence Systems ... Assisting with system designs to enable data science capabilities * Assisting with maintaining data ...

Experienced Data Scientist

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$137K - $186K/yr

The Boeing Company The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) organization, Intelligence Systems ... Assisting with system designs to enable data science capabilities * Assisting with maintaining data ...

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the ... Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical ...

We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture ... Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * 10+ ...

We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture ... S. (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Nuclear Science, or related ...

We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture ... This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin's Blue Moon ...

We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture ... S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a ...

... permanent position supporting a 30+ year old company within the DOD and NASA space! This role is ... scientists, translating verbal direction, sketches, and partially defined procedures into high ...

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Permanent Space Science information

See Reston, VA salary details

$301.2K

$317.3K

$331.9K

How much do permanent space science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for permanent space science in Reston, VA is $317,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $309,500.00 and $325,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Space Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Space Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and astronomy, typically supported by advanced degrees such as a master's or PhD in a relevant field. Familiarity with data analysis software, simulation tools, and laboratory instrumentation is essential, as well as experience with programming languages like Python or MATLAB. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex research and publishing findings. These competencies enable Space Scientists to make significant contributions to scientific knowledge and advance space exploration initiatives.

What is a Permanent Space Scientist?

A Permanent Space Scientist is a professional who conducts research and analysis related to space and celestial phenomena and holds a long-term or tenured position, typically at a research institution, space agency, or university. These scientists study topics such as planetary science, astrophysics, satellite technology, and cosmic events, often leading projects and collaborating with international teams. Their work may involve designing and executing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, publishing findings, and mentoring junior scientists. Permanent roles provide job security and the opportunity to contribute significantly to ongoing and future space exploration and research efforts.

What are some typical collaborative projects for professionals in permanent space science roles?

Professionals in permanent space science roles often work on multidisciplinary projects that require close collaboration with engineers, data analysts, mission planners, and sometimes international space agencies. Common collaborative efforts include designing and executing space missions, analyzing satellite data, and developing new instruments or technologies for space exploration. These teams typically operate in a research-driven environment, where regular meetings and cross-functional communication are essential for integrating scientific objectives with technical constraints. Such collaborations not only enhance the quality of research but also provide opportunities for skill development and career advancement within the field.
What are popular job titles related to Permanent Space Science jobs in Reston, VA? For Permanent Space Science jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Permanent Space Science jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Permanent Space Science jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Permanent Space Science jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Permanent Space Science job openings:
Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems Engineer

Trident Systems LLC

Fairfax, VA โ€ข On-site

$108K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Principal Systems Engineer
Requisition ID: 1736
Position Location: Fairfax, VA / Concord, NH (onsite)
Position Reports To: Senior Principal Systems Engineer
Supervises Others: No

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.


Position Summary

We are seeking a talented, self-motivated, and experienced Principal Systems Engineer with demonstrated success in leading engineering teams to develop and deliver new and/or improved products that meet requirements on time and within budget. The Principal Systems Engineer provides systems engineering methodology expertise across R&D and product development programs, is a key participant in establishing technology and product roadmaps and contributes to business opportunities of strategic importance.

The Principal Systems Engineer works collaboratively with program managers and project engineers to ensure successful program execution and is responsible for guiding program teams to solving problems through a wholistic, systems engineering approach. This position requires expert technical capability and communication skill, effective forward thinking to take advantage of opportunities and prevent issues, and ability to work with engineering leadership towards growing an effective engineering organization. To be successful in this role, the individual should possess technical depth to perform deep-dive analysis and apply properly tailored systems engineering process, as well as technical breadth to work through complex issues across disciplines (e.g. mechanical, electrical, software, and firmware). This individual is able to work autonomously with only high-level objectives to be effective, is able to work on problems of diverse complexity and scope and demonstrates expert engineering judgement.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead a diverse engineering team in the development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, networking, and/or data storage units for space applications using systems engineering methodology
  • Own the systems engineering process on the program and ensure the proper systems analysis and trades, technical baseline management, and requirements verification and validation activities are completed
  • Collaborate with program management to lead program planning and execution within cost and schedule constraints
  • Act as the program technical champion / representative / POC
  • Prepare for, and present at all major design reviews, including internal and external (customer) reviews
  • Provide technical expertise in planning for IR&D and new product initiatives
  • Support proposal efforts for new business opportunities
  • Support travel or off-site work, as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field
  • 9+ years of related experience with a bachelorโ€™s degree or 7 years with a Masterโ€™s degree
  • Technical project lead experience
  • Highly accomplished in engineering or scientific domain(s) of expertise
  • Fluent in multiple relevant technical/scientific domains and can work through complex issues across engineering disciplines
  • Proficient in application of systems engineering methodology to product design and development
  • Ability to lead multidiscipline teams (e.g. system, hardware, software/firmware, and integration and test) through the development of complex electronic systems to meet rigorous space application requirements
  • Strong team leadership, including ability to coach teams, provide mentorship, etc.
  • Ability to balance technical performance with program cost and schedule targets
  • Excellent organization and communication skills
  • Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or individual granted refugee or asylee status)

Preferred Qualifications

  • MS degree in a STEM field
  • Experience with space industry product development life cycles
  • Experience in product development for high reliability, high survivability, and/or space environment applications
  • Experience with complex electronics product design at low level of integration, e.g. PCBAs, mechanical structures, mission software, FPGA firmware, etc.
  • Experience with Xilinx family devices, including Zynq UltraScale+ or Versal architecture
  • Knowledge of VPX standards (VITA 46 and VITA 65) and demonstrated experience implementing in embedded hardware
  • Experience in electronics design including schematic capture, PCB layout, PCB routing, high-speed data design, mixed-signal analysis/design, signal integrity analysis, etc.
  • Experience in signal processing and/or algorithm development
  • Experience with CAD tools, e.g. PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Keysight ADS, etc.
  • Experience with systems engineering related tools, e.g. STK, MATLAB Simulink, requirements management/databases, MBSE, etc.
  • Experience with one or more levels of the OSI model, understanding of networking protocols, etc.

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $108,000 - $200,000
Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.


Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

  • Health benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic life with AD&D
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays
  • 401(k) (including company match)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
  • Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)

Trident Systems is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@tridsys.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractorโ€™s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)