Senior Programmatic Lead Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

SAIC is seeking a Space Mission Analysis Lead to join the National Security and Space Sector (NSS). You would work on a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) crown jewel program providing highly specialized space/counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services from Aurora, Colorado. We support the Nation's leading edge IC and DoD space programs and offer compelling, deep-technical work that has direct influence and impact on program development and operations. Our team has Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across a variety of disciplines, including physics, math, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis.

This Space Systems Mission Engineer Lead will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S. Government civilians and contractors solving applied technical problems and developing usable solutions for multiple space-related capabilities and threats. The ideal candidate will:

Have experience with IC and/or DoD satellite system development or operations

Approach technical challenges with a problem-solving mindset, leveraging analytical expertise, innovative thinking, and engineering best practices.

Exhibit proactive communication, collaboration, and leadership skills to effectively contribute to cross-functional teams of engineers, scientists, and government stakeholders

Demonstrate a strong ability to translate complex technical requirements into practical, actionable solutions for space mission design and operations.

Show dedication to mission success by adapting to dynamic requirements, tight deadlines, and shifting priorities while maintaining a strong focus on technical excellence.

Remain committed to continuous learning, adopting cutting-edge tools, technologies, and practices to support and enhance space mission capabilities.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Perform rapid optical analysis for satellite systems, including the evaluation of line-of-sight and visibility conditions to support mission planning, trajectory analysis, operations, and performance assessments

Lead and align a multidisciplinary team of senior specialists with diverse working styles and strong technical opinions; build consensus and de-conflict competing technical priorities.

Develop and execute quick-look link budgets for satellite communication systems, considering factors such as signal-to-noise ratio, interference, attenuation, and power allocations

Use Systems Tool Kit (STK) to apply provided access constraints and perform simple sensor modeling to support technical analysis and assessment of mission requirements

Serve as Deputy IPT Lead (with a path to IPT Lead), supporting the lad in managing team activities, coordinating technical deliverables, and maintaining alignment with project objectives & schedules

Provide technical coordination to a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the successful execution of key tasks related to mission analysis, system design, and performance modeling

Act as a point of contact for technical and programmatic queries, addressing stakeholder concerns and escalating issues to senior leadership as necessary

Support the production of detailed technical assessments and recommendations for various external customers

Develop new tools, scripts, and automated workflows using Python or MATLAB to enhance analysis efficiency

Maintain understanding of U.S. Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities, as well as Foreign SDA capabilities and counter-space threats

Stay updated on advancements in optical systems, communication technologies, and space mission design to inform current and future mission analyses

Frequently interacting with program managers, SETAs, FFRDCs and external stakeholders

Developing productive relationships with the Program Office, Prime, and Subcontract counterparts, functional IC or DoD counterparts, and other SMEs

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics and 9 or more years (7 or more with a Masters) of direct experience with the space segment of IC or DoD programs

Professional experience in mission analysis, satellite communications, or a related technical field, with progressive responsibility in leadership or team coordination role

Active TS/SCI Clearance with Special Access eligibility and consent to a Counter Intelligence (CI) polygraph. US Citizenship is required

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and analysis

Familiarity with satellite mission operations & orbital mechanics

Experience with orbit & sensor modeling and access assessments using Systems Tool Kit (STK)  

Effective communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting complex technical information to diverse stakeholder groups.  

Previous experience as an IPT Lead, Deputy IPT Lead, or similar technical leadership role within space programs.  
 

Strongly Desired Skills:

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience

Experience in satellite development factory or space system program office (SPO), particularly with Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) systems

In-depth knowledge of optical payloads, including telescope systems, sensors, and imaging technologies.

Understanding of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) techniques  

Working knowledge of radar and/or optical technologies

Strong understanding of satellite communication principles, including link budget analysis, signal-to-noise ratio, and RF propagation

Familiarity with National Security Space architecture (IC and/or DoD)