Space RCO Test Engineer

About the Role MTSI is searching for a senior Test Engineer (TE) to support development of first‑of‑kind space vehicles and missions. This handpicked candidate must possess technical expertise and experience with developing, designing, building, and integrating space hardware and software. In this position, you will provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The Space RCO program office, located at Kirtland AFB, NM, is a small, streamlined organization with dedicated, organic acquisition support functions: contracting, financial management, human resources, security, program management and technical engineering support that are critical in enabling the rapid response required for classified space programs. The mission is to develop and deliver operationally dominant space capabilities at the speed of warfighting relevance in response to Commander, U.S. Space Command requirements. A successful candidate should be a leader and problem solver with a proven ability to deliver superior results as part of a high performing team in a high-profile, fast-paced environment. TE Principal Duty You will work in a small, highly empowered team where every team member is directly responsible for the success of the program. Engineering responsibilities span technology domains including space rated hardware, software, sensors, and processors in an extremely fast-paced, responsive development environment. This SETA candidate will provide in-depth test background on satellite vehicle bus, subsystems, and/or ground systems to improve program office insight into state‑of‑the‑art commercial and legacy mission systems, and C2 requirements and capabilities. You must apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts for highly classified systems, while also effectively communicating complex results with management and executive leadership. SETA Role And Responsibilities Supports design, interpretation, and analysis of technical solutions to complex discipline‑specific testing Plans and performs test research, development, and other assignments in conformance with design, engineering, and customer specifications Evaluates system architecture and component testing to eliminate unnecessary redundancy and align capabilities across multiple programs and/or agencies Provides technical expertise for performance analysis, test plan design and test scenarios for functional testing, security testing, and vulnerability analysis of ground and space operations tools and capabilities Responsible for the technical/engineering planning and execution of major and minor testing necessary on project(s) Leads authoring, evaluation and/or execution of program test and evaluation master plan as well as system acceptance planning; interfaces with multiple mission partners, overseeing test and system engineering working groups Coordinates with multiple partners/agencies to ensure test communities support delivery milestones Work on high‑visibility or mission critical aspects of a given program and perform all functional duties independently Oversee the efforts of less senior staff and/or be responsible for the efforts of all staff assigned to a specific job Translate complex ideas and data into simple, actionable recommendations or easily differentiated courses of action Communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy—oral and written Qualifications Required skills Minimum 7 years DoD/IC, or relevant industry work experience Proven experience and/or qualifications in testing satellite systems Understanding of operational environment and corresponding mission user needs Knowledge of space system engineering, development, and manufacturing Experience in DoD program management including program development and transition Experience with Integrated Master Schedules, and risk management Experience with Statements of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statements (PWS) Desired Skills Five years of relevant DoD and/or Industry work experience with SAP and/or SCI Experience providing System Engineering Technical Assistance to Government program office Experience with rapid prototyping Experience with integrated air, space, and cyberspace capabilities Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining ground mission planning architecture and software Experience with ACAT I/II level acquisition programs Experience using multivariable optimization in mission planning software systems Experience in planning and executing test campaigns for space systems Fluency with IC organizations Education Minimum Requirements An applicable engineering degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or possess a Professional Engineering license MA/MS/ME degree Clearance Active TOP SECRET clearance with sensitive compartmentalized information (SCI) and special access program (SAP) eligibility (no less than 2 years total SAP and/or SCI environment experience, with 1-year total within last 5 years) and willingness to submit to a Counter‑Intelligence polygraph Candidate must maintain a TS/SCI clearance as a condition of employment Location/Travel Requirements Full‑time, on site in vicinity of Kirtland AFB, NM, and will require travel up to 30% of time within the continental United States #J-18808-Ljbffr Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)