Job Description:

The Space and Missile Defense Advanced Program Engineer will help design and architect a space sensor layer for hypersonic defense missions leveraging existing and new space and airborne technologies for early intercept detection. The ideal candidate will have significant experience and knowledge in the Missile Defense/Missile Warning mission areas and the ability to develop system architectures and trade studies across multiple platforms, mission domains and applications for Space Missile Defense to help advance missile defense technology.  Responsibilities include the application of scientific methodologies towards the execution of specific hypersonic experiments including studies, models and simulations to help drive new business.

Essential Functions:

• Provide program, systems engineering, and acquisition support for the Space and Missile Defense business areas


• Provide input into and develop scientific experiments related to hypersonic missions


• Help shape new technologies and help drive a robust advanced Space missile defense technology development program


• Drive early intercept concepts into end to end mission solutions


• Shape requirements for key Acquisitions related to Space Missile Defense


• Applies an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to plan, design, develop and verify a lifecycle balanced space environment system


• Understand the complete mission that the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) wants to achieve


• Evaluate customer and /operational needs to help define and coordinate system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters and assure compatibility of all physical, functional and program interfaces


• Executes technical responsibilities within project cost and schedule constraints


• Resolves cross-functional technical issues


• Assess and provide direction for make/buy decisions and selection of strategic suppliers


• Determines whether requirements can be met with existing capabilities/designs or if new design requirements must be developed


• Generates and derives system and payload requirements based on customer mission requirements


• Provides technical coordination between external customer’s engineers, industry engineers and internal engineering groups to articulate technical issues


• Prepares and presents technical information internally and externally that addresses specific subjects of interest


• Advocates the customer’s critical needs to internal stakeholders


• Work across a variety of mission domains


• Provide technical direction for the development, integration, and testing of complex hardware/software systems


• Lead and perform trade studies required to make both tactical and strategic technical decisions for programs


• Lead or participate in technical interchange meetings (TIMs) to manage project execution and resolve enterprise issues


• Provide mentoring, guidance and leadership to novice engineers

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree with 12+ years of prior related Space System experience or equivalent


• Must have an active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience working for or in collaboration with the Missile Defense Agency  


• Experience with the wide-range of sensors that exist to detect and track threat missiles through all phases of their trajectory


• Ability to provide scientific methodologies to provide end to end mission solutions on early intercept capabilities for missile defense


• Experience creating and implementing system architectures and complex mission solutions


• Ability to partner with stake holders and team leaders to identify mission gaps and develop system solutions which provide customer value


• Experience applying technologies and capabilities in ways not previously anticipated to solve our customers’ ultimate objectives


• Experience in operating as a prime provider for both exquisite space and small-sat opportunities


• Proven and effective communications skills, interpersonal skills and customer focus


• Experience with functional and physical architecture development


• Experience collaborating in a team environment