Principal Radar Systems Engineer

Job Title:

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

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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Experience with RF payload development and production testing.
• Experience in performance modeling and estimation, such as detection, tracking, and coverage analysis.
• 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.

• 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.
• Experience with crypto integration in space systems.
• Experience with multi‑sensor integration and data fusion for ISR…