Senior Systems Engineer – Space Vehicle Vendor (SVV) Technical & Programmatic Support
Job details
- Pay
- $150,000 – $220,000 a year
- Level
- Senior
- Experience
- 8+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Posted
- Nov 11, 2026
- Last confirmed open
- Nov 11, 2026
- Job function
- Software/Internet/AI › System Reliability & Security › Systems Engineer
About this role
MTSI is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide SETA support to SDA communication satellite development and operational support. This position fills a critical role supporting a Space Vehicle Vendor (SVV) and requires hands‑on expertise in readiness assessments, verification and validation, flight software risk reduction, and launch readiness activities.
The successful candidate will directly advise SDA program leadership, evaluate vendor performance, and ensure satellites are safe, compliant, and ready for shipment, launch, and early on-orbit operations.
This position directly supports government program managers through technical assessments, risk analysis, system engineering rigor, and coordination across multiple SDA technical and programmatic teams.
Space Vehicle Readiness & Review
Support* Assess SVV readiness for shipment and launch by conducting detailed evaluations of End Item Data Packages (EIDPs), performance data, and configuration documentation.
- Lead or support Major Program Reviews, identify liens, and coordinate closure actions with both SDA and vendor stakeholders.
- Develop, update, and brief the Launch Statement of Risks, informing enterprise leadership of risk posture prior to launch.
- Evaluate SVV hardware and flight software maturity and performance
- Conduct detailed reviews of SVV Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs), assess credibility and risk, and provide recommendations to SDA program leadership.
- Track blockers, identify schedule risks, and work with SDA software and navigation teams to mitigate constraints.
Requirements
Verification & Waiver Assessment* Receive, review, and coordinate requirements verification
- Evaluate SVV payload and subsystem performance against contractual requirements, waivers, and descope impacts.
- Support Requirements Review Boards by identifying requirement ambiguities or misalignments and recommending resolution paths.
Risk, Waiver & Performance Tracking* Continuously track SVV risks, waivers, and vendor performance to provide data-driven insights to senior government leadership.
- Conduct systems-level assessments to ensure SVV safe-to-operate status across on-orbit phases.
Program Integration & Coordination* Support SDA program managers through weekly activity reports, leadership reviews, progress-to-plan assessments, and schedule reviews.
- Coordinate technical discussions between SDA, launch providers, SVV engineering teams, and SDA’s Chief Engineer.
Required Qualifications* Active Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred).
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related technical field; Master's degree preferred.
- 8+ years of experience in space systems engineering, spacecraft integration & test (I&T), or satellite program management.
- Direct experience with space vehicle readiness processes.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft flight software development, verification, anomaly resolution, and operational risk management.
- Experience evaluating contractor performance, schedules, risks, and technical artifacts in a SETA-like role.
- Ability to synthesize complex information and provide concise, technically accurate recommendations to government decision makers.
- Proven ability to lead cross-organizational technical efforts and manage parallel actions across government, contractor, and integrator teams.
Desired Qualifications* Experience supporting SDA, Space Force, NASA, Missile Defense Agency, or other space acquisition organizations.
- Familiarity with satellite bus subsystems including guidance/navigation & control (GNC), communications payloads, or mission operations.
- Understanding of Agile program execution, risk processes, and systems engineering best practices.
- Experience with launch vehicle integration and mission readiness processes.
Travel
Up to 25%
The pay range for this position in Chantilly is $150,000 to $220,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.
The pay range for this position in Colorado Springs is $150,000 to $220,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.
#LI-BG1
#remote
TS/SCI
Perks and Benefits
======================
- Vacation:
New Hires Accrue 20 days of PTO and 10 Holidays per Year
- Health Insurance:
Zero Deductible Health Plans
- Flexible Schedules:
Flex Schedules
- Professional Development:
Up to $10,000 Annual Education/Training Reimbursement
- ESOP:
Funded Stock Ownership Plan
- 401k Match+:
6% 401k Match + Immediate Vesting
- Bonus Program:
Semi-Annual Bonus Opportunity
- Mentorship:
Career Mentorship Programs
Why is MTSI a great place to work
- Interesting Work:
Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security.
- Values:
Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry.
- 100% Employee Owned:
We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year.
- Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for:
- + Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year
+ Flexible schedules
+ 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually
+ Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and Decemeber)
+ Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account
+ Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement
+ Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance
+ Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan
- Track Record of Success:
We have grown every year since our founding in 1993.
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance
MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide.
For more information about MTSI, please visitwww.mtsi-va.com
EEO Statement
MTSI embraces nine core values including our first core value of Employees come first. Consistent with our Core Values, we are committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.
MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.
Why is MTSI a great place to work
- Interesting Work: Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security.
- Values: Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry.
- 100% Employee Owned: We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year.
- Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for:
- + Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year
+ Flexible schedules
+ 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually
+ Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and Decemeber)
+ Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account
+ Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement
+ Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance
+ Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan
- Track Record of Success: We have grown every year since our founding in 1993.
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance
MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide.
For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com