Space Systems Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal or Sr. Systems Engineer to serve as an independent technical advisor on a high-priority national security space program. This is not a traditional contractor execution role — you will be the technical expert that government leadership relies on to evaluate contractor designs, validate system performance, and ensure mission requirements are met from early design through launch and on-orbit operations. If you want your technical judgment to actually shape a program, this is that opportunity.

What You'll Do

• Deliver independent technical oversight and advisory support across the full system lifecycle — from requirements and design through integration, test, and operations
• Evaluate contractor designs and validate system performance against mission requirements
• Support design reviews, integration and test campaigns, and mission performance analysis
• Lead risk management activities and communicate technical risk clearly to sr. government leadership
• Act as a critical bridge between government leadership and industry partners
• Apply MBSE principles using SysML tools to model and analyze complex system architectures
• Support launch readiness activities and early on-orbit operations
• Influence program decisions through data-driven insights and rigorous technical analysis

What You'll Need

• Deep systems engineering experience across the full lifecycle — requirements through design through integration through operations
• Hands-on experience with space-based ISR systems, radar system design, signal processing, or RF payload development
• Proficiency in MBSE and SysML tools, specifically Cameo or MagicDraw
• Experience with performance modeling and estimation — detection, tracking, and coverage analysis
• Proficiency with engineering and collaboration tools including Python, MATLAB, Jira, Confluence, and DOORS
• Active TS/SCI clearance required

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field
• Prior SETA or government advisory experience
• Familiarity with DoD/IC acquisition frameworks including JCIDS and DoD 5000
• Experience working with prime contractors and subcontractors
• Experience in satellite or payload engineering and communications architectures
• Experience with crypto integration, multi-sensor fusion, and data processing systems
• Participation in integration and test campaigns, launch readiness, and early orbit operations
• Proficiency with Tableau for data visualization and analysis

Why This Role

• Direct exposure to sr. government leadership and strategic decision-making
• Operate as a trusted technical advisor — not a traditional contractor seat
• Broad visibility across the entire system lifecycle and multiple mission domains including space, ground, and data
• Real ability to shape architecture, performance, and risk posture on a major national security program
• Technically rigorous, intellectually challenging work with mission urgency behind it

Location & Requirements

Fully onsite — Chantilly, VA. Active TS/SCI required. No remote flexibility.

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

The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $110.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Chantilly,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

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

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We’re a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We’re a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We’re strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We’re building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

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.

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.