Ground Systems Engineer

Overview

VTG is looking for a Systems Engineer - Software in Chantilly, VA.  (Note: Contingent upon program award) The Systems Engineer - Software supports NRO programs by assisting in the engineering and integration of software‑intensive mission systems. This role focuses on requirements traceability, system documentation, interface support, and verification activities under the guidance of senior engineers. The engineer applies foundational systems engineering principles to support the full lifecycle of NRO systems, with emphasis on software, data flows, and system interfaces.

What will you do?

Junior Systems Engineer

• Assist with requirements decomposition, allocation, and traceability (e.g., system → subsystem → software component)
• Support development and maintenance of system artifacts (requirements documents, interface control documents, CONOPS inputs)
• Assist in verification and validation (V&V) planning and execution for software‑enabled systems
• Support integration and test activities involving software, data, and infrastructure components
• Participate in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) as a supporting engineer
• Collaborate with software developers to ensure alignment between requirements and implementation

Mid-Level Systems Engineer

• Lead or independently execute requirements analysis and decomposition for software‑centric systems
• Develop and maintain system and software interface documentation
• Evaluate system designs for technical feasibility, risk, and alignment with NRO enterprise standards
• Support digital engineering and model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) efforts
• Support lifecycle readiness activities and risk assessments for software‑enabled capabilities
• Provide technical input to acquisition documents and program reviews

Senior Systems Engineer

• Lead end‑to‑end systems engineering for large or complex software‑intensive systems

• Architect and evaluate system and software solutions to meet mission needs

• Oversee requirements traceability from mission objectives through software implementation and verification

• Lead or support enterprise‑level technical reviews and readiness assessments

• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with software, integration, and system interoperability

• Mentor junior and mid‑level systems engineers

• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to NRO program and government leadership

• Expert knowledge of systems engineering principles and lifecycle processes

• Deep understanding of software architectures, cloud and enterprise systems, and data‑driven architectures

• Experience with MBSE, digital engineering, and enterprise integration

• Ability to lead technical teams and interface with senior government stakeholders

Do you have what it takes?

• TS/SCI with Poly Required
• Bachelor’s Degree; Preferred Concentration: Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related discipline

Junior Systems Engineer

• 1-4 years experience; with relevant experience on a program or organization at the same size/scope.

Mid-Level Systems Engineer

• 5-9 years experience; with relevant experience on a program or organization at the same size/scope.

Senior Systems Engineer

• 10+ years experience; with relevant experience on a program or organization at the same size/scope.

Pay Range: VTG’s estimated starting pay range is $100,000 - $215,000 annually, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range.