R&D Systems Engineer
Overview:
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!
The Intelligence Programs Group, part of Systems Planning and Analysis Inc.’s Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and Intelligence community. We utilize mission-proven, data-driven advisory tools and capabilities. We provide highly technical support to ensure the government acquires cutting edge technology necessary for our Defense. Our portfolio includes the Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Come where you will be part of our high-caliber team!
This position provides systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services to a customer within the Intelligence Community (IC) working in Chantilly, VA. This customer is responsible for research and development (R&D) of technologies as well as technology maturation required prior to acquiring security-related space-based systems.
Responsibilities:
This position is an opportunity to apply your knowledge and expertise to state-of-the-art technologies to advance and bring new mission capabilities to Space Programs. You will provide programmatic and technical support to an IC customer responsible for maturation of SIGINT technologies, which span the spectrum from applied research to demonstrated capabilities suitable for transition into system program baselines and advanced future systems. These efforts will influence the next of SIGINT space systems.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Provide programmatic and technical support to customer leaders and staff as part of a small SETA team. Plan and execute technology maturation through the R&D lifecycle
Translate architecture needs into detailed system and subsystem needs and technical requirements.
Provide technical and theoretical assessment of prospective SIGINT technologies to IC and DoD customers
Work closely with the IC customer supporting all phases of the acquisition process to include Broad Agency Announcement Area of Interest, Requests for Proposal, Statements of Work, Requirements, Contract Data Requirements Lists and other required solicitation/contract documents.
Support source selection activities and review proposals as a technical advisor
Assist the IC customer with the oversight of technology development contracts and develop status briefings for government and industry
Interact with outside organizations such as DoD, NASA, Labs, and Universities to coordinate activities for maximum effect
Assist with program management decisions, to include funding, within programs across fiscal years and portfolios
Provide identification, assessment, and resolution of risks during the acquisition phase and during program execution.
Work with the IC customer to advance resiliency activities/initiatives in SIGINT technology
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Math or related discipline with 7+ years related experience OR Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Math or related discipline with 5+ years related experience, or PhD in Physics, Engineering, Math or related discipline
Knowledge of SIGINT technologies
Experience with the IC acquisition process
Knowledge of leading edge technologies in SIGINT, such as: wideband receiver architectures, digital signal processing, phased arrays, payload testing & characterization, and/or networking hardware and protocols
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and energetic environment.
Effective interpersonal skills and strong presentation and writing skills.
Ability to express detailed technical concepts in a high level (senior staff level) briefing .
Aptitude for Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) work on site with the customer.
Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
Qualifications:
End-to-end technical knowledge of SIGINT architecture, systems, mission processing, and technologies. End-to-end knowledge of relevant systems lifecycle spanning conception, acquisition initiation, development, deployment and operations
Understanding and familiarity with RF and signal processing principles
5 years of experience with government or IC acquisition processes.
In depth knowledge of signals, waveforms, and real data environments
Experience and ability to coordinate within and across DoD or IC R&D and acquisition organizations.