Mission Operations Engineer

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.

- 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.

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