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Satellite Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... satellites on orbit. • Provide operations planning and execution support. • Develop and ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Develop and coordinate operations transition plans for constellation of multiple satellites.

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... satellites on orbit. • Provide operations planning and execution support. • Develop and ... Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 9+ years ...

SAIC

Embedded Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

The Satellite Systems Software Engineer must possess and have successfully demonstrated satellite engineering experience. Requires excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and oral and written ...

SAIC

Communication Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... ORA_ON_SITE Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national ...

SAIC

Embedded Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Satellite Systems Software Engineer must possess and have successfully demonstrated satellite engineering experience. Requires excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and oral and written ...

SAIC

Communication Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... ORA_ON_SITE Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Satellite Systems Engineer, Aerospace Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Systems ... Engineer, Space Mission Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Systems Architect, Spacecraft ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Satellite Systems Engineer, Aerospace Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Systems ... Engineer, Space Mission Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Systems Architect, Spacecraft ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Satellite Systems Engineer, Aerospace Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Systems ... Engineer, Space Mission Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Systems Architect, Spacecraft ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems--both on‑orbit and in development. You will ...

SAIC

Communication Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation ... This position is for a Comm Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSatellite Systems Engineer JobsSatellite Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Satellite Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$126.1K

$165.6K

How much do satellite systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite systems engineer in Virginia is $126,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $155,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by satellite systems engineers and how are they typically addressed?

Satellite Systems Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as managing complex integration processes, troubleshooting technical anomalies, and ensuring the reliability of systems in the harsh conditions of space. These issues are typically addressed by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including software, hardware, and operations specialists—to analyze data, simulate scenarios, and implement robust testing procedures. Staying up to date with the latest industry standards and regulatory requirements also helps engineers preempt and mitigate potential problems. Proactive communication, thorough documentation, and a strong attention to detail are key strategies for navigating these unique challenges effectively.

What does a satellite systems engineer do?

A Satellite Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining satellite systems and subsystems. They work on various aspects, including communications, control systems, power distribution, and thermal management. Their role involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure satellites function efficiently in space. They also analyze system performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and support mission operations from initial concept to deployment and beyond.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite systems engineer?

To thrive as a Satellite Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or aerospace engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with satellite communications and subsystems. Familiarity with industry-standard simulation tools (such as STK, MATLAB, or LabVIEW), satellite telemetry and command systems, and relevant certifications like ITAR/EAR compliance or security clearance is highly beneficial. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication skills help you coordinate across multidisciplinary teams and address technical challenges. These skills are essential to ensure reliable satellite operations, successful mission outcomes, and effective collaboration within complex engineering environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Satellite Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Satellite Requirements Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614189
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-07-24
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
SAIC is seeking a Satellite Systems Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support the NRO Electro-Optical System Program Office (ESPO). Qualified candidates must possess demonstrated systems engineering expertise in requirements management, traceability, and verification. The successful candidate must also have strong working knowledge across a wide variety of Electro-Optical satellite designs, functional, and performance capabilities. The candidate must be able to work both independently and in a team-based environment.
Key duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Directly support ESPO as the office responsible for the design, development, manufacturing, integration & test, and launch & initialization of Electro-Optical satellites for the NRO.
  • Represent ESPO equities by providing verification evidence for Enterprise requirements allocated to the program office.
  • Lead in managing requirements development, traceability, and verification planning & execution. Responsible for ensuring compliance to interfaces and standards or ensure appropriate deviations/waivers are in place.
  • Evaluate system and subsystem designs to ensure compliance to program requirements.
  • Participate in various engineering analysis, including assessing power, weight, thermal control, and other space vehicle design constraints as the design matures. Identify technical design risks and support development of corrective action plans.
  • Support Prime contractor and Enterprise stakeholders in developing and implementing various model-based systems engineering products (CONOPS, ICDs, Test Plans, Functional Decompositions, etc.).
  • Assist with acquisition planning, documentation, and Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) evaluations. Assist, as needed, in Government source selections and the technical evaluation of satellite provider proposals.
  • Work in an interactive team environment with Government customer leads, commercial satellite developers, and other subject matter experts.

Qualifications
  • BS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering, or similar technical discipline and 9 years or more experience; Masters and 7 or PhD and 4.
  • 7+years of experience working on satellite programs and experience managing requirement development, analysis, decomposition, and allocation.
  • Have strong familiarity with electro-optical system & subsystem functionality, performance, and product data.
  • Proficiency with DOORS, MS Office products, and Confluence.
  • Working knowledge of MBSE tools and data structures, including CAMEO and SysML.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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