Project Lead Systems Engineer

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 Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for a Space Project Lead Systems Engineer.

Seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) professional to support a key government Project Manager. This role serves as a critical interface between government leadership, technical SETA subject matter experts (SMEs), and prime contractors. The Lead SETA will provide essential technical, program management, and acquisition expertise, guiding the full lifecycle of advanced space and hypersonic systems from rapid prototyping through operational transition. This position is central to organizing and influencing a diverse community of experts from the Operations, Acquisition, and Intelligence Communities to establish and execute a unified technical direction.

• Acquisition Strategy & Leadership: Guide the development of comprehensive acquisition documents, including Statements of Work (SOWs), Performance Work Statements (PWSs), Source Selection Plans (SSPs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Provide critical inputs to the Department of War (DOW) Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process.
• Complex Systems Integration: Oversee the end-to-end integration of disparate subsystems (e.g., flight vehicle, payload, ground segment) into a cohesive, operational capability. Ensure all functional and performance requirements are met across a complex system-of-systems architecture.
• Interface Management: Direct the development, negotiation, verification, and maintenance of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between various system segments, prime contractors, and government-furnished equipment (GFE) providers to ensure seamless interoperability.
• Technical Oversight: Provide subject matter expertise on the design, development, and testing of space and hypersonic systems. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Space Systems: Satellite constellations (LEO/MEO/GEO), space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities, resilient communication networks, advanced ISR payloads, and associated launch vehicle and ground segment integration.
• Hypersonic Systems: Boost-glide vehicles, air-breathing cruise missiles, and related technologies such as advanced materials, thermal protection systems (TPS), scramjet/ramjet propulsion, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a primary technical liaison between the program office, development contractors, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and external agencies to de-conflict technical issues and ensure alignment of engineering and programmatic efforts.
• Performance Management: Assist the government with evaluating contractor performance at major technical reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR), assessing technical requirements compliance, deliverable quality, and overall program progress.
• Strategic Advisory: Advise Government Project Managers (GPMs) on program cost, schedule, and performance trade-offs, providing data-driven recommendations to inform key decisions.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify program risks across technical, schedule, and cost domains. Develop robust mitigation strategies and track their effectiveness to minimize impact on mission objectives.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Work with the SETA team to balance workload, set priorities, and manage staffing. Provide mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers and acquisition professionals.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizen with an Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
  • Must be willing and able to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) access. A polygraph examination may be required.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field
• 15-20+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering, program management, or acquisition for complex aerospace systems, with a strong preference for experience in space, missile, or hypersonic programs within the NRO, IC, or DoD
• Demonstrated experience leading technical activities through multiple phases of the acquisition lifecycle (e.g., source selection, technology maturation, EMD, production, and sustainment)
• Proven experience with Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) pathways for rapid prototyping and fielding
• Experience serving as a technical lead, chief systems engineer, or integrated product team (IPT) lead
• Direct experience developing and managing a Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)
• Expert-level knowledge of the DoD 5000.02 acquisition framework, the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS), and federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS)
• Deep technical understanding of the fundamentals of spacecraft design, orbital mechanics, launch vehicles, and/or hypersonic aerodynamics and propulsion systems
• Proficiency in systems engineering processes, including requirements definition, decomposition, allocation, verification, and validation (V&V)
• Familiarity with Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracting methodologies
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both expert and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, in-depth reports, and concise summary papers
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills
• Proven ability to work effectively in a high-paced, dynamic environment with rapidly shifting priorities
• Familiarity with Program Management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Confluence)
• Working knowledge of Digital Engineering concepts and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, Sparx EA) and languages (e.g., SysML/UML)
• Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS)
• Ability to report to designated work location in Chantilly, VA, in a secure SCIF/SAPF space, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant technical or management field
• Professional certifications such as PMP, DAWIA Level III (in Engineering, PM, or T&E), or INCOSE CSEP/ESEP
• Experience with specific advanced technology agencies such as DARPA, AFRL, SDA, or MDA
• Experience with modeling and simulation (M&S) tools and environments (e.g., STK, AFSIM)
• Knowledge of software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, DevSecOps) and their application to modern hardware-centric programs