Optical Engineering - Contractor

Landmark AOS delivers critical Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) expertise to the NRO's Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED)-the organization responsible for designing, acquiring, and integrating the nation's most advanced space and ground systems across the full mission lifecycle. In this role, you will serve as a trusted technical advisor driving the development and modernization of next-generation EO GEOINT mission processing capabilities. You will collaborate closely with government leaders, development contractors, and mission partners to shape resilient, high-performance solutions that directly support national security priorities. Advance EO resiliency initiatives by evaluating emerging technologies, identifying vulnerabilities, and guiding mission-enhancing solutions in partnership with IC stakeholders.

Maintain technical cognizance across a broad GEOINT mission processing portfolio, tracking baselines, schedules, dependencies, risks, and cost drivers to ensure program success.

Oversee Prime Contractor development efforts, providing technical insight and ensuring software development, integration, and testing activities align with government requirements and mission objectives.

Advise senior and mid-level government leadership on architectural decisions, investment strategies, acquisition priorities, and risk assessments shaping the future Ground Enterprise.

Develop and coordinate Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for new capabilities, ensuring alignment across mission threads and stakeholder organizations.

Define enterprise, system, functional, performance, and interface requirements that guide the development of modern, scalable GEOINT processing applications.

Conduct performance assessments and deliver cost, schedule, and risk impact analyses for current and future Ground architecture implementations.

Bachelor's degree and 9+ years of relevant experience; PhD/JD and 4+ years. Experience with Electro-Optical systems, including tasking, command & control, collection, mission processing, or dissemination.

Domain knowledge in Ground Software, Space Development Programs, or Mission Operations.

Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information across diverse customer and corporate audiences.

Proficiency with the Microsoft Office tool suite.

Target salary range: $Overview SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline. SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.