Software Systems Engineer Technical Advisor

Job ID 2615945Location Chantilly, VA, USDate Posted 2026-08-20Category Engineering and SciencesSubcategory Systems EngineerSchedule Full-TimeShift Day JobTravel NoMinimum Clearance Required TS.SCI_wPolyClearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain NonePotential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITEDescriptionSAIC is seeking a Software Systems Engineer Technical Advisor to fill a critical position on the MERIGOLD program in Chantilly, VA. MERIGOLD is a large SETA contract, supporting the NRO’s Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED), responsible for the acquisition of systems over the complete end-to-end life cycle.All candidates must have an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.This position will provide specialized engineering expertise supporting the acquisition of multi-intelligence (multi-INT) software services focused on collection orchestration. SAIC’s client is tasked with leading the integration of mission focused tools to foster increased efficiency, automation and information sharing. The qualified candidate will assist and advise Government managers responsible for the complete end-to-end life cycle of the customer's Ground Enterprise.Job Responsibilities to includeLead technical and programmatic interchanges; identify and resolve issues; and provide engineering and technical advice to the customer to achieve innovative capabilities for automated multi-INT machine learning analyticsProvide program management and technical engineering support to the Government customer to manage multi-INT machine learning analytics programs; evaluate cost, performance, schedule and risks throughout the program life-cycle Apply systems analysis and design methodology assessments to identify technical debt, architectural runway and efficiency trade-offs against current and proposed/desired cloud-based software system designProvide software system design and requirements expertise to support the planning of future systems and architectures, and oversight of development contractorsDevelop briefings and documentation material for Program / Project Manager’s engagements, including developing technical roadmaps and the acquisition strategies/documentation to implement them.Lead agile process evolution across Government teams, development contractors, user engagement teams, and stakeholdersWork side-by-side with the other MERIGOLD staff comprised of world class System Engineers, Acquisition Engineers and Domain Experts to lead the customer in acquiring modern processing applications.QualificationsRequired Education and ExperienceBachelor degree in business, engineering, science, or related discipline and 9 years total experience (or a MS degree + 7 years or a PhD + 4 years). Relevant experience to be substituted in lieu of degree.Active Top Secret Clearance with Polygraph2+ years of experience supporting system architecture, design or development in a cloud environmentDemonstrated experience in managing technical, cost and schedule performance of software development programsDemonstrated understanding of federal acquisition processes.Strong engineering background with knowledge of software architectures and spacecraft ground systemsDomain knowledge in Agile software development practicesDemonstrated capability and success working in and leading teamsStrong oral and written communications to support interaction with government, SETA, FFRDC, external stakeholders, and development contractors at all levels on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between all organizations within a high-tempo environmentGood working knowledge of MS Office applicationsDesired Education and ExperienceExpertise and experience with the IC acquisition cycle, requirements processes, budgetary practices, and acquisition documentationKnowledge related to managing technical, cost and schedule performance of software development programsExperience monitoring developer progress via agile metrics, identifying risks, discrepancies, and performance issuesExperience in Dev/Sec/Ops delivery of software capabilities for cloud optimized environmentsCertification in agile software development methods (Scrum, SAFe)Background with cyclical and continual prioritization of Solution-level Kanban / Backlog across programs/teamsAmazon Web Services (AWS) certificationExperience working in the Intelligence Community (IC) or with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) a PLUS!Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.