The Role
Supports software systems engineering across requirements analysis, architecture, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment for mission-critical space vehicle operations. The role contributes to requirements traceability, interface documentation, technical reviews, system modeling, anomaly investigations, configuration management, risk mitigation, and cybersecurity and quality compliance. Collaboration includes flight and ground software, hardware engineering, cybersecurity, mission operations, and program leadership teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
SAIC is seeking an Software Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to support SAIC’s large SETA program, supporting the NRO’s Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED), Advanced Ground Office. The selected candidate will assist with system design, development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of software solutions that enable mission‑critical space vehicle operations.
This entry‑level role provides the opportunity to grow technical depth while collaborating with experienced engineers, mission operators, cybersecurity specialists, and program leadership across the system lifecycle. The engineer will contribute to ensuring software capabilities meet mission needs, integrate effectively with flight and ground segments, and comply with established engineering, security, and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities to include:
- Support analysis of stakeholder and system requirements to derive software and interface requirements.
- Assist in developing and maintaining software architecture artifacts and interface control documents (ICDs).
- Help perform requirements decomposition, allocation, verification, and validation activities under senior engineer guidance.
- Work with flight software, ground software, hardware engineering, and cybersecurity teams to support system integration.
- Participate in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR) as a junior technical contributor.
- Maintain traceability between mission objectives, system requirements, and software specifications.
- Assist with software integration, test planning, execution, anomaly documentation, and readiness activities.
- Support system modeling, basic performance analysis, and engineering trade studies.
- Contribute to configuration management, change control, and release documentation.
- Help identify risks, mitigation steps, and support resolution of technical issues.
- Participate in mission operations, anomaly investigations, software upgrades, and sustainment activities as needed.
- Ensure adherence to applicable aerospace, cybersecurity, mission assurance, and quality standards.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field and two (2) years or more experience; Masters and 0 years related experience. Relevant experience to be substituted in lieu of degree.
- Active Top Secret/SCI with Poly.
- 1–4 years of experience in software engineering, systems engineering, integration, or related internships/projects.
- Foundational understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle (requirements, design, integration, test, V&V).
- Familiarity with modern software development practices (Agile, DevSecOps, or waterfall).
- Ability to learn and operate within complex aerospace, defense, intelligence, or space system environments.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desired Education and Experience:
- Academic or internship experience with spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, or ground control systems.
- Exposure to flight software concepts or command‑and‑control architectures.
- Familiarity with MBSE, SysML, or other modeling tools.
- Experience with software integration labs, simulations, or hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments.
- Awareness of cybersecurity principles for software or embedded systems.
- Interest in digital engineering and modern software pipeline environments.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or relevant experience substituted for the degree
- Two or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or a master's degree with zero years of related experience
- Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance with polygraph
- One to four years of experience in software engineering, systems engineering, integration, or related internships/projects
- Foundational understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements, design, integration, testing, and verification and validation
- Familiarity with Agile, DevSecOps, or waterfall software development practices
- Ability to work in complex aerospace, defense, intelligence, or space system environments
- Strong communication skills and ability to work on a multidisciplinary team
- Academic or internship experience with spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, or ground control systems
- Exposure to flight software concepts or command-and-control architectures
- Familiarity with MBSE, SysML, or other modeling tools
- Experience with software integration labs, simulations, or hardware-in-the-loop environments
- Awareness of cybersecurity principles for software or embedded systems
- Interest in digital engineering and modern software pipeline environments
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The Company
What We Do
Spectrum San Diego is a high tech security innovator, specializing in ultra-low-dose X-ray screening systems.
