Ground Systems Engineer

OverviewVTG is looking for a Systems Engineer - Software in Chantilly, VA. (Note: Contingent upon program award) The Systems Engineer - Software supports NRO programs by assisting in the engineering and integration of software‑intensive mission systems. This role focuses on requirements traceability, system documentation, interface support, and verification activities under the guidance of senior engineers. The engineer applies foundational systems engineering principles to support the full lifecycle of NRO systems, with emphasis on software, data flows, and system interfaces.What will you do?Junior Systems EngineerAssist with requirements decomposition, allocation, and traceability (e.g., system → subsystem → software component)Support development and maintenance of system artifacts (requirements documents, interface control documents, CONOPS inputs)Assist in verification and validation (V&V) planning and execution for software‑enabled systemsSupport integration and test activities involving software, data, and infrastructure componentsParticipate in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) as a supporting engineerCollaborate with software developers to ensure alignment between requirements and implementationMid-Level Systems EngineerLead or independently execute requirements analysis and decomposition for software‑centric systemsDevelop and maintain system and software interface documentationEvaluate system designs for technical feasibility, risk, and alignment with NRO enterprise standardsSupport digital engineering and model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) effortsSupport lifecycle readiness activities and risk assessments for software‑enabled capabilitiesProvide technical input to acquisition documents and program reviewsSenior Systems EngineerLead end‑to‑end systems engineering for large or complex software‑intensive systemsArchitect and evaluate system and software solutions to meet mission needsOversee requirements traceability from mission objectives through software implementation and verificationLead or support enterprise‑level technical reviews and readiness assessmentsIdentify and mitigate technical risks associated with software, integration, and system interoperabilityMentor junior and mid‑level systems engineersServe as a trusted technical advisor to NRO program and government leadershipExpert knowledge of systems engineering principles and lifecycle processesDeep understanding of software architectures, cloud and enterprise systems, and data‑driven architecturesExperience with MBSE, digital engineering, and enterprise integrationAbility to lead technical teams and interface with senior government stakeholdersDo you have what it takes?TS/SCI with Poly RequiredBachelor’s Degree; Preferred Concentration: Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related disciplineJunior Systems Engineer1-4 years experience; with relevant experience on a program or organization at the same size/scope.Mid-Level Systems Engineer5-9 years experience; with relevant experience on a program or organization at the same size/scope.Senior Systems Engineer10+ years experience; with relevant experience on a program or organization at the same size/scope.Pay Range: VTG’s estimated starting pay range is $100,000 - $215,000 annually, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range.