Mission Protection Systems Engineer

Mission Protection Systems Engineer

K ’s National Security Solutions team provides high‑end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

The role is based in Las Cruces, NM and focuses on systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services for protection of space systems.

• Provide technical expertise and advice on space protection and space situational awareness.
• Oversee integration of space protection functions/capabilities of delivered systems; analyze schedules and capabilities to ensure best operational fit both near‑term and long‑term.
• Support development and execution of space protection exercises and optimization of system capabilities, employment, and Concepts of Operations.
• Develop space protection training materials.
• Analyze and recommend to multiple government customers, providing key information, risk assessment, and potential improvements.

• Location:
  
  On‑site
• Travel Requirements:
  Minimal
• Working Hours:
  
  Standard

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (or relevant field) and ≥9 years of experience, or Master’s degree and ≥7 years.
• Knowledge of satellite constellations, spacecraft orbits, and ground station characteristics.
• Current knowledge of counter‑space threats.
• Experience with rendezvous and proximity operations, developing scenarios and mitigations.
• Experience with orbital mechanics and associated tools (e.g., STK, SOAP).
• RF knowledge (basic understanding of RF principles), knowledge of GEOINT/SIGINT constellations and tasking process.
• Experience with US Space Force space operations structure.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliverables.
• Independent and team‑oriented; effective with contractors, SETA, FFRDC, and government teammates.
• Proficient at quick briefing creation for government audiences.
• Self‑starter, proactive with no supervision, expert at defining solutions for broad, abstract topics.
• Consensus builder; master of collaboration and coordination with stakeholders.
• Polished communicator (written & verbal), impeccable interpersonal skills and judgment.

• Real‑time operations experience as a spacecraft operator or vehicle engineer.
• Familiarity with MBSE/Digital Engineering, AGILE development, cloud technologies.

If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at K . Let's shape the future together.

K  offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits, including a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

K  is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Job : R2116757