Technical Director

SAIC is seeking a Technical Director to lead the technical direction and execution of a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) crown jewel program based in Aurora, Colorado. The program delivers specialized space and counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services to National Security space customers, including modeling, simulation, integration, and analysis, ground and space studies, and deployed collection campaigns.

This role is for a hands-on technical leader who can resolve complex program issues, align corporate and government stakeholders, and drive results. You will lead a team of subject matter experts in physics, mathematics, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis. You will work closely with the Program Manager and senior leaders to ensure technical products are credible, on time, and mission relevant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership across all program tasks, setting direction and standards for analysis, modeling, and mission reporting.
• Drive issues to closure by identifying root causes, building options, making recommendations, and following through on decisions.
  Serve as a senior technical interface to government customers and mission partners, building trust and influencing outcomes.
• Partner with corporate leaders to communicate program status, risks, and opportunities, and to secure resources and support.
• Lead and mentor a team of SMEs and team leads, setting expectations for technical quality, rigor, and timeliness.
• Partner with Chief Engineer to ensure deliverables and mission reports are technically sound, clearly communicated, and delivered on schedule.
• Guide technical approaches for trade studies, hardware needs, and integration of mission, payload, and operational utility analyses.
• Oversee technical aspects of a bespoke information system environment across multiple networks and classification levels.
• Support oversight of a remote work site with significant government investment and government-furnished equipment.
• Work with the Program Manager on staffing, subcontractor performance, and surge needs.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement in engineering and analytical processes.

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as physics, engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline,(14) years or more experience, 12 years or more with Masters degree  
• Demonstrated technical expertise in space systems analysis, with a strong foundation in modeling and simulation.
• Experience leading technical teams in a DoD or IC environment.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical topics to senior government and corporate audiences.
• Active TS/SCI clearance (CI polygraph preferred).

Desired Qualifications:
 

• Master's degree or PhD in a technical discipline.
• Ten or more years of experience in space systems, with at least five in a technical leadership role (technical director, chief engineer, deputy PM, or similar).
• In-depth knowledge of National Security Space architecture and organizations, IC and/or DoD.
• Familiarity with space mission design, satellite operations, or space-based sensor technologies.
• Understanding of space and counter-space threats.
• Experience leading complex, multifaceted efforts with diverse technical teams and deliverables.
• Working knowledge of project management tools and methods
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Track record of influencing change across government and corporate organizations