Ground Systems Engineer

SSI is seeking a Lead Ground Systems Engineer to serve as a key Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) advisor to a critical Government Customer in Chantilly, VA.

In this role, you will represent the customer’s technical interests by overseeing a Prime Contractor developing a bespoke satellite ground solution. This program focuses strictly on Vehicle Command & Control (C2), Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), Health & Safety, and Mission Management. Operating on an aggressive operational deployment timeline, you will evaluate system-level architectures, oversee contractor design milestones, and ensure seamless integration into the customer's broader Enterprise framework.

• →Act as the government customer's trusted technical advisor to evaluate ground system designs, identify risks, and recommend technical acceptance throughout the development lifecycle.
• →Review Prime Contractor architectural deliveries, system interfaces, and write/evaluate Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure compatibility with larger Enterprise systems.
• →Lead system-level evaluations during early-to-mid program milestones, including Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR).
• →Perform deep-dive evaluations into ground concepts and module interactions. (Note: This is a system architecture and oversight role; hands-on code development or line-by-line code audits are not required).
• →Oversee contractor testing execution and V&V activities to verify that ground system performance satisfies mission requirements prior to operational fielding.
• →Drive rapid technical resolution and balance program trade-offs to keep the program on track for accelerated fielding.