Space Systems Engineer (Intelligence Center)

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The Technical Capabilities Department (N923), within MITRE National Security’s Intelligence Center, helps the government optimize U.S. investments in science and technology to build and strengthen our nation’s operational capabilities. The department consists of four mission-focused groups: Space Technical Intelligence (STI), Exploitation & Data Analysis (E&DA), Science & Technology (S&T), and Adversary Technical Intelligence (ATI).

Roles & Responsibilities:

Join MITRE in supporting strategic initiatives affecting the entire U.S. space community. The Technical Capabilities Department is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to drive collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning. This role will leverage expertise in systems engineering, cybersecurity, and public-private partnerships to enhance space operations safety, security, and efficiency.

Qualified candidates will have a strong background in Space Systems Engineering with experience supporting the defense and intelligence communities. The candidate will collaborate with leadership teams and strategic elements within MITRE to develop tactical, operational, and strategic solutions supporting national security missions. Strong teamwork and cooperation within an integrated MITRE team are essential. The candidate will work with military and civilian experts to address mission needs, anticipate operational requirements, and identify emerging solutions.

Specifically, the selected candidates will be expected to:

Apply broad understanding of the U.S. Governments role in the space domain to include DoD, IC, and other public sector elements of the U.S. Government and commercial space industry.

Develop white papers on space domain topics. Synthesize complex topics into high-level papers and talking points.

Apply systems engineering knowledge to analyze, develop, integrate, and modernize space and ground architectures and capabilities.

Identify opportunities for innovative technical solutions to address challenges.

Collaborate with MITRE colleagues to advocate for user needs and recommend solutions to increase operational effectiveness.

Build relationships with industry and academia to enable effective information-sharing capabilities in the space domain.

Basic Qualifications:

Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.

Active TS/SCI with recent polygraph required, with the ability to be cleared for Special Access Programs.

Familiarity with U.S. Government, DoD, IC space regulations and policy

Proven ability to promote and support joint research initiatives to drive technological advancements in space exploration and technology.

Experience with Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) processes.

Experience with requirements documentation and program/mission gap analysis.

Experience developing technical solutions to operational problems.

This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years related Space Systems experience; master’s degree and 8 years’ experience; or a PhD and 5 years’ relevant experience.

Master’s degree in a technical discipline (engineering, computer science, math, data analytics, or related physical sciences).

Demonstrated ability to write for and interact with the senior levels within the U.S. Government.

Recent experience in the Space Defense Systems domain.

10 years working in the space mission area.

Expertise in a major DoD/IC space system

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

Top Secret/SCI/Polygraph

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Top Secret/SCI/Polygraph

Work Location Type:

Onsite

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