Satellite Integration and Test Engineer

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.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.Role and Responsibilities:Provide independent assessment of spacecraft integration and test (I&T) plans, procedures, and schedules for technical adequacy, completeness, and realismEvaluate the logical sequencing, dependencies, and critical path of integration schedules to identify risks, inefficiencies, or unrealistic assumptionsAssess contractor approaches to system-level integration, including mechanical, electrical, software, and interface compatibility across subsystemsReview and provide recommendations on verification and validation (V&V) strategies to ensure full requirement traceability through test and analysisAdvise on environmental test planning and execution, including vibration, acoustic, thermal vacuum (TVAC), electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC), and shock testingSupport evaluation of readiness, including Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), integration milestones, and major program reviewsIdentify integration and test risks, assess mitigation strategies, and provide independent recommendations to Government stakeholdersAnalyze anomaly resolution processes during integration and test, ensuring root cause identification and appropriate corrective actionsProvide insight into configuration management, hardware/software version control, and interface control documentation (ICDs) as they relate to integrationParticipate in technical interchange meetings (TIMs), program reviews, and working groups as a Government technical representativeAssist in developing Customer positions, technical assessments, and decision briefings for leadershipRequired Qualifications: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 experienceExperience with all phases of the satellite mission lifecycle, from concept development and design through integration, testing, and post-launch operationsDemonstrated experience as a Lead Systems Engineer, Integration & Test Manager, or equivalent role on a spacecraft or satellite programExperience 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 vehiclesStrong understanding of integration flows, test sequencing, and verificationFamiliarity with industry standards and best practices for spacecraft integration and environmental testingExcellent interpersonal, leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a Government/Contractor team environmentAbility to communicate complex technical topics to senior decision-makers with varying technical backgrounds through clear briefings and written reportsWillingness to travel up to 25%Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.#ssi #weknowhowtobuildit #spacejobs