Top Secret Radar Systems Engineer

Job Title: Space-Based Radar Systems Engineer

Job Description

This role supports a government program office responsible for developing and deploying a space-based Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) system. You will serve as an engineer and subject matter expert, providing independent technical assessment, systems engineering expertise, and mission-focused insight across the full lifecycle from design through launch and early operations. You will work in a high-visibility, fast-paced environment, partnering closely with government leadership and industry teams to ensure mission success on a next-generation space-based radar program.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent technical assessment of contractor designs, architectures, and performance for a space-based AMTI radar system.

• Support the full systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements development, design reviews, integration, test, verification, and early operations.

• Evaluate radar payload performance, including modeling, analysis, and system-level trade studies to optimize mission effectiveness.

• Assess RF hardware and payload development activities, including production testing and performance verification.

• Support Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering efforts using SysML tools, including system performance modeling and multi-sensor integration.

• Analyze and validate end-to-end mission performance across sensor, space vehicle, ground segment, processing, and dissemination components.

• Participate in and support major program design reviews, ensuring technical rigor and alignment with mission requirements.

• Identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and provide clear recommendations to government leadership.

• Develop and deliver briefings, technical reports, and decision-support materials for stakeholders and decision makers.

• Collaborate closely with government and contractor teams using collaboration and modeling tools such as Cameo and Confluence.

• Support radar payload integration with the space vehicle and bus, ensuring compatibility and mission performance.

• Contribute to mission data processing and ground system architecture assessments, including performance modeling and estimation for detection, tracking, and coverage.

• Support integration and test campaigns, including participation in launch site operations as needed.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, space systems, or defense programs.

• Demonstrated experience across the full system lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, integration, test, and operations.

• Strong experience in space-based ISR systems, radar systems, or RF payloads.

• Experience in radar system design or radar signal processing.

• Experience with RF payload development and production testing.

• Experience with performance modeling and estimation, such as detection, tracking, and coverage analysis.

• Experience with mission data processing or ground system architectures.

• Hands-on experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML tools, such as Cameo or MagicDraw.

• Ability to assess contractor technical performance and provide independent, objective recommendations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing leadership and stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

• Radar payload integration experience, including integration with space vehicles and space buses.

• Space vehicle and space bus integration expertise.

• Experience in space-based ISR systems, radar systems, or RF payloads.

• Experience with performance modeling and estimation tools and techniques for radar and ISR missions.

• Experience with mission data processing pipelines and ground system architectures.

• Prior experience supporting a government program office in a SETA or similar advisory role.

• Familiarity with Department of Defense and Intelligence Community acquisition processes, including JCIDS and DoD 5000 series frameworks.

• Experience working with prime contractors and major subcontractors on complex space or defense programs.

• Experience in satellite and payload engineering, including end-to-end system architecture.

• Experience with crypto integration in space systems.

• Experience with multi-sensor integration and data fusion concepts and implementations.

• Experience supporting integration and test campaigns for space or radar systems.

• Experience supporting launch site operations for space missions.

Work Environment

This position supports a government program office focused on an advanced space-based AMTI radar mission. You will work on-site in a secure facility in Chantilly, Virginia, in an office environment located across from a major national reconnaissance organization. The core team currently consists of approximately ten engineers, fostering close collaboration, technical depth, and direct access to program leadership. You will regularly interact with government leaders, industry partners, and multidisciplinary engineering teams, using tools such as Cameo and Confluence to support MBSE and digital engineering activities. The work is fast-paced and high-visibility, with a strong emphasis on technical rigor, clear communication, and mission success. Standard professional office attire is expected in this environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chantilly, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $122.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chantilly,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.