Satellite Integration and Test Engineer

SSI is seeking a Satellite Integration and Test Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to our Customer in Chantilly, VA. The role provides independent technical oversight and subject matter expertise to support spacecraft integration, assembly, and test (AI&T) activities. This role serves as a trusted advisor to the Government, ensuring that prime contractor integration strategies, plans, schedules, and execution approaches are technically sound, realistic, and aligned with mission requirements. The individual will leverage deep experience in spacecraft systems engineering and integration to identify risks, validate assumptions, and recommend actionable improvements across the full lifecycle of vehicle integration and test.

• Provide independent assessment of spacecraft integration and test (I&T) plans, procedures, and schedules for technical adequacy, completeness, and realism.
• Evaluate the logical sequencing, dependencies, and critical path of integration schedules to identify risks, inefficiencies, or unrealistic assumptions.
• Assess contractor approaches to system-level integration, including mechanical, electrical, software, and interface compatibility across subsystems.
• Review and provide recommendations on verification and validation (V&V) strategies to ensure full requirement traceability through test and analysis.
• Advise on environmental test planning and execution, including vibration, acoustic, thermal vacuum (TVAC), electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC), and shock testing.
• Support evaluation of readiness, including Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), integration milestones, and major program reviews.
• Identify integration and test risks, assess mitigation strategies, and provide independent recommendations to Government stakeholders.
• Analyze anomaly resolution processes during integration and test, ensuring root cause identification and appropriate corrective actions.
• Provide insight into configuration management, hardware/software version control, and interface control documentation (ICDs) as they relate to integration.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings (TIMs), program reviews, and working groups as a Government technical representative.
• Assist in developing Customer positions, technical assessments, and decision briefings for leadership.

Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and CI polygraph (polygraph within the last ten (10) years).

Bachelor's degree in engineering and twelve (12) or more years of experience; Master's degree and ten (10) or more years of experience.

Experience with all phases of the satellite mission lifecycle, from concept development and design through integration, testing, and post-launch operations.

Demonstrated experience as a Lead Systems Engineer, Integration & Test Manager, or equivalent role on a spacecraft or satellite program.

Experience with space systems design, development, assembly, integration, and testing, including architectures, spacecraft, and payloads, for the Intelligence Community (IC) and/or the Department of Defense (DoD).

Hands-on experience with system-level integration and environmental testing of space vehicles.

Strong understanding of integration flows, test sequencing, and verification.

Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for spacecraft integration and environmental testing

Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a Government/Contractor team environment.

Ability to communicate complex technical topics to senior decision-makers with varying technical backgrounds through clear briefings and written reports.

Willingness to travel up to 25%.