Mission Operations Engineer

Description

SAIC is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a dynamic, next-generation space program in Chantilly, VA . This role supports mission operations for innovative satellite constellations and advanced space capabilities, working closely with government, contractor, and operational partners. The position is mission-focused, highly collaborative, and directly impacts national space mission readiness and performance.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor satellite system performance and support day-to-day mission operations, including readiness, initialization, checkout, and transition to operational status.

• Provide SETA support to government stakeholders in planning, coordinating, and executing satellite system operations and mission activities.

• Assist in identifying, tracking, and resolving system issues and anomalies in coordination with government, contractor, and operational teams.

• Support analysis of operational issues, risks, dependencies, and performance trends; clearly communicate impacts and recommended actions to leadership.

• Develop and contribute to operational assessments, status summaries, briefings, reports, and other documentation related to system health, readiness, and mission impacts.

• Coordinate across government, contractor, and mission partner organizations to support mission execution, operational alignment with objectives, and effective stakeholder engagement.

• Provide general technical, analytical, and coordination support in a dynamic operations environment, managing multiple priorities and stakeholder inputs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field and 5+ years of relevant experience; OR

• Master’s degree in a related technical field and 3+ years of relevant experience; OR

• High school diploma/GED and 9+ years of directly relevant satellite operations or mission operations experience in lieu of a degree.

• Knowledge of satellite systems operations and mission support activities (e.g., initialization, checkout, routine operations, anomaly resolution).

• Experience monitoring system performance and supporting operational readiness and mission execution.

• Demonstrated ability to support identification, tracking, and resolution of system issues and anomalies in collaboration with government and contractor teams.

• Experience providing technical, analytical, and coordination support for operational activities, status reporting, and leadership updates.

• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Ability to assess system status, operational impacts, risks, and clearly communicate findings to leadership and mission partners.

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically as required.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is required.

• Must be able to maintain clearance eligibility for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting NRO, IC, or DoD space or ground systems operations.

• Background in mission operations, satellite command and control, or spacecraft engineering.

• Prior SETA experience supporting government program offices or operations centers.

• Experience with operational procedures development, mission planning, or readiness assessments.

• Familiarity with anomaly resolution processes, root-cause analysis, and corrective action tracking.

• Experience working in highly integrated, multi-contractor and government environments.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily performed in an office and/or operations center environment.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer or operations console.

• Ability to participate in meetings, briefings, and potential shift or surge support during critical operations periods, as required.

2026.10.2

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

REQNUMBER: 2618310

SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability