Top Secret Radar Systems Engineer

Space-Based Radar Systems Engineer

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.