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Space Systems Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Title: Space Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

As the Space Systems Engineer , you will coordinate across other divisions with a focus on our payload division in support of the acquisition of systems that advance the NRO's space resiliency ...

As the Space Systems Engineer , you will coordinate across other divisions with a focus on our payload division in support of the acquisition of systems that advance the NRO's space resiliency ...

Title: Space Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and ...

We are seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support SDA's mission. Responsibilities include: Responsibilities * Provide technical support and advisory services on complex space systems integration and ...

Responsibilities As a Space Systems Engineer- Mid you will support Agile scrum teams in planning, design, development, deployment, integration, test, and configuration management of space domain ...

SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and ...

We are seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support SDA's mission. Responsibilities include: Responsibilities * Provide technical support and advisory services on complex space systems integration and ...

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120.20K - $164.50K/yr

The Senior Space Systems Engineer also supports the organization in the role of the technical advisor to the Space Service Acquisition Executive (SAE) for pre-acquisition investment decisions, and ...

We are seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support SDA's mission. Responsibilities include: * Provide technical support and advisory services on complex space systems integration and test efforts

Space Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

Responsibilities As a Space Systems Engineer- Mid you will support Agile scrum teams in planning, design, development, deployment, integration, test, and configuration management of space domain ...

We are seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support SDA's mission. Responsibilities include: Responsibilities * Provide technical support and advisory services on complex space systems integration and ...

Space Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

Responsibilities As a Space Systems Engineer- Mid you will support Agile scrum teams in planning, design, development, deployment, integration, test, and configuration management of space domain ...

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Space Systems Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$55.8K

$132.6K

$174.1K

How much do space systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for space systems engineer in Reston, VA is $132,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,100.00 and $163,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Space Systems Engineer job?

A Space Systems Engineer designs, develops, and integrates complex space missions, including satellites, spacecraft, and ground systems. They work across multiple disciplines, such as electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, to ensure all subsystems function together. Their role involves requirements analysis, system modeling, risk assessment, and testing to ensure mission success. Space Systems Engineers collaborate with scientists, astronauts, and project managers to optimize performance and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Space Systems Engineer position, and why are they important?

A Space Systems Engineer typically requires a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Experience with simulation software (such as MATLAB or STK), systems engineering processes (like MBSE), and relevant certifications (INCOSE CSEP, for example) are highly valued. Excellent teamwork, project management, and communication skills help engineers effectively coordinate across multidisciplinary teams. Together, these skills enable successful design, integration, and operation of complex space systems, ensuring mission success and safety.

What are some typical challenges faced by Space Systems Engineers on the job?

Space Systems Engineers often work on complex projects that require coordinating multiple subsystems and ensuring they function seamlessly together. Common challenges include balancing strict budget and time constraints while meeting high reliability and safety standards set by the aerospace industry. The role may involve troubleshooting intricate issues during assembly, integration, or testing phases, often under tight deadlines. Adapting to evolving mission requirements and collaborating with specialists across different disciplines are also key aspects of the job. Tackling these challenges builds valuable problem-solving skills and provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology.
What are popular job titles related to Space Systems Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Space Systems Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Space Systems Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Space Systems Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
Infographic showing various Space Systems Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,592 per year, or $63.7 per hour.
Space Systems Engineer

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Join a winning team! SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and contract and technical advisory services to a Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. The customer is developing the next generation of space and ground architectures comprised of custom development, commercial off the shelf (COTS), and cloud-based services. SAIC is a strong company providing opportunities for energetic individuals with a strong desire to expand their knowledge while increasing their responsibilities.
SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with NRO experience to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a rapidly expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer for a complex space and ground efforts as part of an exciting and innovative set of programs.
This position supports a System Program Office (SPO) in a technical capacity for planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of satellite system development and acquisitions that advance the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) space resiliency posture. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience within NRO acquisition and is ready to lead the system engineering branch SETA team through the remaining Verification and Validations gates to sell off the system to the end user. This position is 'downward facing' in its responsibility for system level space and ground requirements as flowed down and 'upward facing' with functional enterprise requirements.
The Chief Systems Engineer will join a team of on-site SETAs working a major system acquisition (MSA) with responsibilities that may include but not limited to the following:
  • Lead team of system engineering SETA and provide oversight of acquisitions, with specific focus on the system engineering processes to ensure end-to-end system closure and satisfaction of mission need.
  • Maintain system baselines.
  • Manage system Configuration Management process including Engineering Change Proposal, Engineering Review Board/Configuration Control Boards (ECP, ERB/CCB).
  • Ensuring requirements that evolve through the change management process remain true to the overall government need.
  • Conduct full lifecycle engineering reviews including System Requirements (SSRs) and Lead and/or Support Lifecycle Readiness reviews to demonstrate the design meets all specifications and customer requirements.
  • Lead team to ensure proper requirement Verification and Validation methodology is codified and executed by the developer, including determining test strategy and coverage based on a technical risk assessment for each use case or functionality.
  • Support risk management processes and methods for identifying, assessing, and adjudicating program risk; Conduct analysis to identify program risk areas and recommend/implement mitigation approaches.
  • Represent the government client to development contractors and ensure proper messaging between the same.
  • Support Contract Officer/Contract Officer Technical Representatives (CO/COTRs) and Developers by coordinating with other technical domain Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and program stakeholders to achieve a detailed understanding of the systems, designs, and interfaces necessary to satisfy mission requirements.
  • Reviewing Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, technical accuracy, and sufficiency of design details to meet program requirements and objectives.
  • Develop briefings and assessments to a variety of audiences and must be able to convey information in a clear and articulate manner to Government leadership.
  • Participating in technical interchange meetings between developers and COTR.
  • Design and implement technical solutions for new business needs and challenges.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
  • Bachelor's and eighteen (18) years or more experience; Master's and sixteen (16) years or more experience; PhD and fifteen years or more experience.
  • Experience in systems integration and systems engineering.
  • Experience with systems integration throughout the lifecycle.
  • Experience with space-ground systems architectures and lifecycle support.
  • Proven knowledge in Requirements Management, Quality Control, and Configuration Management.
  • Knowledge of how space systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested.
  • Experience in large systems acquisition.
  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
  • Strong written and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment.

Desired:
  • INCOSE ESEP or CSEP, PMI PMP certification.
  • Experience using systems engineering processes, methods, tools, and program roles to develop, implement, and deploy solutions for Satellite Systems.
  • Thorough understanding of space systems design, integration and test requirements and test execution, including test equipment support.
  • Experience in Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) construct and Earned Value processes.

About Us
SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® 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, civilian and intelligence 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.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.