R&D Systems Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national 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 National 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 National 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 National Defense.

Our portfolio includes the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National 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 national 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 National 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 generation 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, National 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 language.
• Aptitude for Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) work on site with the customer.
• Active TS / SCI with Polygraph

Preferred 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.

SPA is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action. It is, and will continue to be, the policy of the company to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals.

We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability or genetics or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.