Technical Support Engineer - Space Systems

Technical Support Engineer – Space Systems, Electrical & RFPosition located in Columbia, Maryland.The ideal candidate for this position must be motivated and able to work independently or in a small team; they should have experience in the following areas.ResponsibilitiesSpace Systems Requirements and Technical BaselineSupport decomposition of mission objectives into system/subsystem requirementsDevelop/maintain requirements traceability (mission system subsystem verification) and identify gaps/ambiguitiesSupport development/review of technical content for SOO/SOW/PWS, technical specifications, interface requirements, and technical data deliverablesSupport the development/maintenance of a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to surveil contractor performance against contract requirements and deliverablesArchitecture, Interfaces, and Integration (Spacecraft/Payload/Ground)Support development/review of system and subsystem architectures: power, avionics, comms/RF, harnessing, command & data handling interfaces as applicableSupport definition and control of interfaces (ICDs), including RF and electrical interfaces, grounding/bonding, EMI/EMC drivers, and timing/synch considerations where relevantIdentify cross-segment dependencies (space/ground/user terminals) and integration risks; maintain technical inputs to the integrated dependency trackerDesign Review and Engineering OversightSupport planning and execution of technical reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR/TRR and TEMs); agendas, entry/exit criteria, action items, and closure verificationReview contractor designs and analyses (e.g., link budgets, RF chain analyses, parts selection rationale, reliability and derating approaches, radiation tolerance strategy) for completeness and riskSupport review of proposed drawings/schematics, board-level design artifacts, harness plans, and assembly/test approachesRF and Communications Engineering SupportSupport evaluation of RF architecture and performance: link budgets, spectrum considerations, interference susceptibility, modulation/coding/impacts, antenna considerations, and end-to-end performance allocationsSupport assessment of compliance with applicable standards and constraints (e.g., EMI/EMC, frequency coordination requirements, spectrum management artifacts)Support RF test planning and results assessment (e.g., antenna patterns, conducted/radiated emissions, RF compatibility, payload calibration/characterization)ElectronicsSupport evaluation of power subsystem concepts (power generation/storage/regulation/distribution), electrical margins, and fault protectionSupport assessment of electronics design robustness; component selection, obsolescence, radiation effect (TID/SEE) approach, parts screening, and workmanship considerationsSupport review of reliability/quality artifacts as provided (e.g., worst-case circuit analysis, derating analysis, quality plans where applicable)Verification, Test, and Acceptance SupportSupport development/review of verification plans, test plans/procedures, and verification cross-reference matricesSupport analysis of test results, anomaly/RFB inputs, and corrective action effectiveness; track technical issues to closureSupport definition of technical acceptance criteria for deliverables and test eventsTechnical Evaluation (Pre-Award)Support creation of technical evaluation guides/compliance matrices and proposal assessment focused on space//EE/RF technical maturity, feasibility, and riskIdentify discriminators, key risks, and recommended clarifications; draft technical questions for Government useTechnical Risk ManagementMaintain technical risk register inputs/ likelihood/impact, triggers, mitigation plans, and residual risk assessmentsProvide technical trade studies and decision support: alternatives, pros/cons, recommended pathDeliverables/Outputs ExamplesTechnical requirements traceability matrix and compliance checklistsTechnical review read-ahead packages, action item trackers, and closure evidence summariesRF link budget assessments and performance allocation reviewsICD review comments and interface risk summariesVerification/test assessment memos; anomaly trending inputs and corrective action trackingTechnical evaluation worksheets and summary narrativesQualifications15+ years of demonstrated experience supporting space systems programs (payload and/or bus; and/or ground/user segment integration)Hands-on or directly relevant experience in at least one: electrical engineering, electronics design, RF/comm systemsExperience supporting technical reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR and test readiness/flight readiness activities)Strong technical writing skills and ability to brief technical risk and tradeoffs to mixed technical/non-technical stakeholdersPreferred QualificationsKnowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies including machine learning, natural language processing, generative AI, and responsible AIExperience with Ethical AI Implementation and policy development, such as addressing security and ethical considerations in AI deployment, or contributing to AI risks and mitigations for policy reportsFamiliarity with the applicability of adversarial attacks in real-world AI systems, AI Red Teaming, and identifying vulnerabilities across the AI supply chainWilling to travel both CONUS and OCONUSEducation RequirementsBachelor's degree in related science or engineering fieldMaster's degree in a science or engineering field, physics, or other quantitative fields - DESIREDClearance RequirementMust have a current TS/SCI clearance and be eligible for special program accessBenefitsStarting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/yearFlexible schedules6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annuallySemi-annual bonus eligibility (July and December)Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – a separate qualified retirement accountUp to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursementOther company funded benefits, like life and disability insuranceOptional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance planJ-18808-Ljbffr