Payload & Mission Engineer – SDA Tracking Architecture

• Lead mission architecture development for DoD space-based missile warning and tracking systems
• Support the SDA Tracking Cell Director and Tracking Tranche Program Managers in delivering warfighter capabilities
• Advise SDA senior leadership on space architecture investment decisions
• Provide Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense technical leadership across all tranches
• Perform architectural modeling, requirements definition, acquisition support, enterprise stakeholder coordination, partner system integration, and warfighter requirements alignment
• Engage with SDA leaders, FFRDCs, SETAs, UARC personnel, DoD stakeholders, and industry partners
• Guide contract execution, performance assessments, technical trades, on-orbit operations planning, space and ground system integration, technology roadmaps, and future tranche requirements
• Direct technical teams conducting Tracking modeling, simulation, and analysis
• Monitor contractor execution and provide systems engineering and subject-matter-expert support
• Oversee analysis of operational capabilities for missile defense scenarios
• Support the full mission lifecycle from requirements definition and contractor oversight through on-orbit testing and operational integration

• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering, math, computer science, physics, or other related discipline
• 12+ years of progressive engineering experience in space systems, with demonstrated growth in technical leadership and program influence
• Relevant, progressive experience in Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) space vehicle development, test, and/or space-to-ground system integration
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional high-performance teams in fast-paced environments, working effectively across the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group matrix and other program offices
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes through data-driven analysis while building and maintaining substantive rapport with Aerospace peers and government customers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizing complex technical concepts clearly and building consensus through persuasive, polished professional communication
• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time
• Current and active TS/SCI clearance
• US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in engineering, math, computer science, physics, or related discipline
• 12+ years of specialized experience in MWTD systems, architectures, operations, data processing, and performance assessment
• Experience with missile defense sensors and space-based tracking systems, such as space-based infrared systems (SBIRS/OPIR/API), or familiarity with related EO/IR sensor phenomenology, tracking algorithms, or mission analysis tools
• Background in signal processing, data fusion techniques, or modeling and simulation tools (e.g., STK, EADSIM, AFSIM, or similar)
• Experience with space architecture concepts such as proliferated LEO constellations, inter-satellite links, mesh networks, or JADC2 integration, and/or familiarity with MDA/BMDS architectures
• Exposure to or experience with rapid acquisition approaches, including agile frameworks, MTA authorities, OTA contracting, or programs like SpRCO, DIU, or similar organizations
• Leadership and customer engagement, including mentoring engineers and delivering comprehensive assessment products to senior stakeholders
• Multidisciplinary space enterprise knowledge spanning DoD, IC, Civil, and Commercial missions, technologies, and operations, with direct SDA experience and familiarity with SDA Tracking architecture, functional cells, and leadership interactions highly valued

Demonstrates extensive expertise in Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense systems, with a strong focus on space architecture development and integration. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence outcomes through data-driven analysis while effectively communicating complex technical concepts.

• Missile Warning, Tracking, And Defense (MWTD) Systems
• Space Architecture Development
• Technical Leadership
• Data-Driven Analysis
• TS/SCI Clearance

• Architectural Modeling
• Requirements Definition
• Performance Assessment
• Signal Processing
• Data Fusion Techniques
• Modeling And Simulation Tools
• Space-Based Tracking Systems
• Inter-Satellite Links
• Agile Frameworks
• Proliferated LEO Constellations

• Excellent Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Team Leadership
• Customer Engagement
• Mentoring

• Current TS/SCI Clearance

• DoD
• Aerospace Engineering
• Rapid Acquisition Approaches
• JADC2 Integration
• SDA Tracking Architecture

• STK
• EADSIM
• AFSIM
• Mission Analysis Tools