Chief Space Systems Engineer
About the job
- A Bachelor of Science degree and 18 or more years of experience, or a Master's degree and 16 or more years of experience; four additional years of experience may be used in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
- Experience with space systems development, integration, and/or operations for the Department of Defense or other agencies such as NRO, NSA, or NASA.
- Experience leading systems engineering teams focused on integration of complex space and/or ground systems.
- An active Top Secret clearance with in-scope T5/SSBI, SCI eligibility, and participation in Continuous Evaluation.
- Must meet all requirements for SCI and SAP access and be willing to undergo a polygraph examination.
- Engage with developers to evaluate software simulators, engineering units, and hardware simulators through integration activities.
- Lead technical requirements development and systems engineering, and oversee the development contractor in developing, designing, producing, integrating, and testing space systems.
- Oversee payload integration and interface control management.
- Integrate multiple efforts across complex space systems and ground segments, and deploy them into operations.
- Manage and negotiate interface control documents with external stakeholders.
- Perform systems architecting and engineering activities, including system requirements definition, interface definition, design, interface management, data architecture development, systems integration, performance analysis, lifecycle cost analysis and estimation, decision analysis, and development and refinement of communications concepts of operation.
- Oversee requirements verification and validation.
- Make program risk assessments and provide actionable recommendations to the chief engineer and program manager.
- Collaborate independently with Government program office representatives, FFRDC, SETA, and contractor personnel.
About the company
Space Systems Integration provides engineering services in Northern Virginia, focusing on space systems and related programs. The company works by offering engineering support, systems integration, and technical services to government and defense projects. It differentiates itself through its emphasis on space systems and its location in the Northern Virginia region, which positions it to work closely with government agencies and defense contractors. The goal is to deliver reliable engineering solutions that help customers plan, build, and integrate space-related systems and programs.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chantilly, Virginia
Founded
2005
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- SSI’s careers page posted July 2026, showing active hiring demand in Northern Virginia.
- LinkedIn updated September 1, 2026, confirming Chantilly-area headquarters and operational continuity.
- Defense space spending remains strong around Space Force integration work SSI sells into.
What critics are saying
- HigherGov shows SSI’s MAS contract ended November 7, 2024, shrinking visible pipeline.
- SSI has no publicly visible federal awards after June 3, 2025, signaling stagnation.
- September 15, 2026 registration expiration risks awards suspension if renewal slips.
What makes Space Systems Integration unique
- SSI has 2005 roots in TS/SCI space systems engineering for defense and intelligence.
- SSI’s niche spans integration, test, launch prep, and mission management for space programs.
- SSI’s Northern Virginia footprint keeps it close to Space Force and IC customers.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance