Chief Engineer

Overview Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best!

We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA:
Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.  We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.  

Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Space Systems Group (SSG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis. We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command (USSF/SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF. We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command.  

We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to  execute on time and on budget within the technical communities. Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Space power!

SPA has a near-term need for a Chief Engineer for Signal Processing, RF Engineering, Modeling & Simulation, Architecture Development, and Predictive Sustainment Analytics Responsibilities The  Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for a complex portfolio of RF‑driven, sensing, and communication‑dependent systems requiring deep expertise in electromagnetics, signal processing, modeling and simulation (MS&A), architecture development, and predictive sustainment. This role leads end‑to‑end engineering activities across system characterization, architecture evaluation, digital engineering, lifecycle performance analysis, and integration of validated technical enhancements.  

The successful candidate applies broad and multidisciplinary engineering expertise—spanning electrical, software, mechanical, and logistics domains—to ensure that all engineering solutions are technically rigorous, analytically defensible, and fully traceable to program requirements. The Chief Engineer mentors cross-functional engineering teams and provides authoritative guidance on modeling, system analysis, RF design, sensing performance, architecture development, and sustainment engineering.

Electromagnetics & RF Engineering (Advanced)
Apply deep understanding of Maxwell’s equations, wave propagation, reflection/refraction, transmission-line theory, and near‑field vs far‑field phenomena. Guide modeling of antennas, RF propagation environments, pattern characteristics, gain/directivity tradeoffs, and link budget performance.

Evaluate and oversee RF component behavior including amplifiers (P1dB, IP3), mixers, oscillators (phase noise), and filter characteristics.

Lead analysis of nonlinear effects such as intermodulation, harmonic distortion, compression, and saturation impacts on…