Spacecraft Operations & Systems Integration Engineer

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 Intelligence Programs Group (IPG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community. We utilize mission-proven, data-driven advisory tools and capabilities. We provide highly technical support to ensure the government acquires cutting edge technology necessary for our National Defense. Our portfolio includes the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Come where you will be part of our high-caliber team!

SPA has an immediate need for a Spacecraft Operations & Systems Integration Engineer.

SPA is looking for a Spacecraft Operations & Systems Integration Engineer with Space Domain experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office. This postion supports the operational readiness, integration, sustainment, and performance of space-based systems throughout their lifecycle. This position serves as a critical interface between spacecraft operations teams, system developers, and factory engineering organizations to ensure capabilities are successfully integrated into operations and mission objectives are achieved.

The successful candidate will support anomaly management, operational integration activities, system performance monitoring, and mission readiness initiatives. This engineer will leverage operational data to develop performance metrics, create actionable dashboards, and identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness. The role requires strong technical acumen, collaboration skills, and the ability to challenge conventional approaches to deliver innovative solutions that advance mission success.

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at date of application
  • Please discuss specific polygraph requirements with an SPA Talent Acquisition professional
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• 9+ years of experience supporting spacecraft operations, systems integration, mission operations, satellite systems, or related aerospace and defense programs
• Experience supporting operational environments involving spacecraft systems, ground systems, mission planning systems, or command-and-control architectures
• Demonstrated experience analyzing operational data and developing metrics, dashboards, or performance reporting tools
• Experience supporting anomaly management, outage response, troubleshooting, and technical investigations
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, integration and test processes, and operational readiness activities
• Willingness to participate in on-call operational support rotations
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with spacecraft telemetry, command and control systems, mission planning systems, and operational ground architectures
• Experience developing data analytics solutions, operational dashboards, or automated reporting capabilities
• Knowledge of anomaly resolution processes, mission assurance principles, and operational risk management
• Experience coordinating factory acceptance testing, system verification activities, and operational capability transitions