Principal Radar Systems Engineer

Job Title:

Sr Space-Based Radar Systems Engineer (Air Moving Target Indicator)

Job Description

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 a 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 directly with government leadership and industry teams to ensure the success of a next-generation space-based radar mission.

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 transition to operations.

+ Evaluate radar payload performance, including modeling, simulations, and system-level trade studies to optimize mission effectiveness.

+ Assess RF payload and RF hardware development, including production testing and performance verification.

+ Support Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering activities, including system performance modeling and multi-sensor integration using SysML tools.

+ Analyze and validate end-to-end mission performance across the sensor, space vehicle, ground segment, processing, and dissemination chain.

+ Participate in and support major program design and technical reviews, providing informed technical recommendations.

+ Identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and provide clear, actionable recommendations to government leadership.

+ Develop and deliver briefings, technical reports, and decision support materials for stakeholders and program decision-makers.

+ Collaborate closely with government and contractor teams using MBSE and collaboration tools such as Cameo and Confluence.

+ Support integration and test campaigns for space vehicles, payloads, and ground systems, ensuring mission requirements are met.

+ Contribute to launch site operations and early on-orbit checkout activities as needed.

+ Bridge communication between government and industry partners, ensuring technical issues, risks, and opportunities are clearly understood and addressed.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

+ 10+ years of experience in aerospace, space systems, or defense programs.

+ Demonstrated experience across the full system lifecycle, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and operations.

+ Strong experience in space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, radar systems, or RF payloads.

+ Hands-on experience with radar system design or radar signal processing.

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Experience with RF payload development and production testing.

+ Experience in performance modeling and estimation, such as detection, tracking, and coverage analysis.

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Experience with mission data processing or ground system architectures.

+ Proficiency with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML tools, such as Cameo or Magic Draw.

+ Ability to assess contractor technical performance and provide independent, objective recommendations.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing leadership.

+ Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

+ 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 the DoD 5000 series.

+ Experience working with prime contractors and major subcontractors on complex space or defense programs.

+ Experience in satellite and payload engineering, including space vehicle and space bus integration.

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Experience with crypto integration in space systems.

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Experience with multi-sensor integration and data fusion for ISR missions.

+ Experience in radar payload integration and space vehicle/bus integration.

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Experience with performance modeling and estimation for space-based radar or ISR systems.

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Experience with mission data processing pipelines and ground system architectures.

+ Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment supporting government stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in a secure facility in Chantilly, Virginia, in a building located across from a major national reconnaissance organization. You will work primarily in an office and classified lab environment alongside a team of approximately ten engineers focused on a space-based AMTI radar program. The role involves close collaboration with government program office personnel,…