S

Systems Planning and Analysis

Provides data-driven national security analytics

Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Full-TimeDeadline 9/1/27
$150k - $195k/yr
Expert
Bachelor's
Chantilly, VA, USA
In PersonMust report to the designated Chantilly, Virginia work location full time.
Aerospace EngineeringSpacecraft & Launch Vehicle Systems
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

About the job

Requirements
  • U.S. citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph are required at the date of application.
  • A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline is required.
  • At least 9 years of experience supporting optical systems, telescope development, spacecraft payloads, opto-mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or aerospace programs is required.
  • Knowledge of systems engineering principles, interface management processes, and integration activities is required.
  • Experience supporting technical reviews, design assessments, and engineering coordination across multiple organizations is required.
  • Must be able to report to the designated work location in Chantilly, Virginia, on a full-time basis.
Responsibilities
  • Provide technical expertise and systems engineering support for the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced space-based optical payloads and telescope systems.
  • Serve as a key interface between government stakeholders and industry partners, facilitating collaboration across multiple vendors to improve interoperability, reduce program risk, and maximize future mission flexibility.
  • Support the maturation of advanced telescope technologies.
  • Manage cross-vendor interface coordination efforts.
  • Contribute to common engineering approaches that enhance interchangeability across future spacecraft builds.
Desired Qualifications
  • Evaluate technical tradeoffs and develop recommendations that balance performance, risk, schedule, and cost considerations.
  • Experience with Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements management, and configuration control processes.

About the company

S

Systems Planning and Analysis

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SPA helps the U.S. government make high-stakes national security decisions by using modeling, simulation, and rigorous analysis. It builds data-driven analyses and forecasts outcomes for programs across the Navy, DoD, Homeland Security, and Energy, including space systems, cyber, and undersea warfare. It differentiates itself through decades of government-focused work, strategic acquisitions (MCR Federal, Intrepid, Group W), and an Office of Innovation that expands capabilities in AI, data science, and digital engineering. Its goal is to deliver accurate analyses and new capabilities quickly to guide defense investments and programs.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

$20.1M

Headquarters

Alexandria, Virginia

Founded

1972

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The September 30, 2026 $126 million Navy award runs through March 2031.
  • SPA added Raj Badhwar as CIO on January 28, 2026, hardening digital infrastructure.
  • Robert Richards joined SPA’s board in July 2026, bringing BlueHalo scaling discipline.

What critics are saying

  • A 2031 NAVSEA recompete loss would gut SPA’s core Naval Special Warfare franchise.
  • Arlington Capital’s ownership pushes integration speed, margin expansion, and an eventual exit.
  • Secret-cleared labor shortages and subcontractor churn threaten delivery across classified programs.

What makes Systems Planning and Analysis unique

  • SPA’s 14,400-square-foot Alexandria Advanced Analytics Lab centralizes classified mission analysis.
  • SPA appointed fellows in AI, cloud, DevSecOps, and digital wargaming in May 2026.
  • SPA won NAVSEA PMS 340 support, extending a relationship dating to 2012.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

26%

1 year growth

27%

2 year growth

27%
Military Industry Today
Oct 23rd, 2026
SPA advances integrated mission engineering with commercial release of ArcherEye(TM).

SPA advances integrated mission engineering with commercial release of ArcherEye(TM). Bringing ArcherEye to market reflects SPA's commitment to making its mission engineering technology more accessible." - SPA CEO Rich Sawchak ALEXANDRIA, VA, UNITED STATES, October 21, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / - Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA), a leading global, independent provider of data-driven analytical insights for critical national security programs and defense priorities, announced that SPA ArcherEye(TM), its mission engineering and digital analysis technology, is now commercially available. ArcherEye combines model-based systems engineering (MBSE) principles with digital engineering to evaluate mission effectiveness. The software integrates engineering, network, and simulation data into a common environment, allowing engineers and decision-makers to assess complex system architectures, identify capability gaps, and evaluate potential solutions. "As defense and intelligence organizations face growing pressure to accelerate capability development, access to advanced technologies is increasingly important," said Rich Sawchak, CEO of SPA. "Bringing ArcherEye to market reflects SPA's commitment to making our mission engineering technology more accessible, so organizations can integrate sophisticated analysis into their own development efforts." The commercial release establishes a formal path for government agencies and industry partners to evaluate, license, and deploy ArcherEye directly. SPA developed a commercial version of the software with licensing and intellectual property protections, along with security verification and validation. SPA also offers installation and configuration, customizable user training, software maintenance, and additional professional services. "ArcherEye connects operational activities to the underlying systems and components, giving engineers a clearer view of how complex architectures contribute to mission effectiveness," said Mark Adams, Chief Capabilities Officer at SPA. "Commercial availability gives clients a direct path to deploy the technology, with SPA's technical expertise and services available to meet their specific requirements." Across joint operations, multi-domain warfare, and complex networks, ArcherEye offers applications for mission engineering and operational analysis. SPA's experience in these areas includes assessing operational plans and force readiness for Navy missions, analyzing kill chains to identify operational and technical gaps, and informing investment decisions. SPA ArcherEye(TM), alongside SPA AthenaSight(TM) and other technologies in SPA's portfolio, will be showcased at SPA Ignite, an invitation-only technology expo on October 29 at the company's headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Genesis Eldredge Systems Planning & Analysis [email protected] Visit Military Industry Today on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. Military Industry Today do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Associated Press
Oct 21st, 2026
SPA launches ArcherEye, a commercial mission engineering and digital analysis tool

Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA), a provider of analytical insights for national security programs, has made its mission engineering software, ArcherEye, commercially available. ArcherEye combines model-based systems engineering with digital engineering to evaluate mission effectiveness. It brings engineering, network, and simulation data into one environment, so users can assess system architectures, spot capability gaps, and test potential solutions. Government agencies and industry partners can now evaluate, license, and deploy the software directly. SPA added licensing and intellectual property protections, plus security verification and validation. It also offers installation, training, maintenance, and other services. "Bringing ArcherEye to market reflects SPA's commitment to making our mission engineering technology more accessible," said chief executive officer Rich Sawchak. SPA will showcase ArcherEye at SPA Ignite, an invitation-only expo at its Alexandria, Virginia, headquarters on October 29.

WashingtonExec
Oct 15th, 2026
SPA launches commercial version of AthenaSight mission planning platform.

SPA launches commercial version of AthenaSight mission planning platform. Systems Planning & Analysis' AthenaSight environment is now commercially available. AthenaSight allows users to develop and assess scenarios, compare options, identify operational gaps and evaluate potential solutions. The platform combines geospatial, infrastructure and operational force data with mission planning and wargaming tools, giving teams a shared workspace to assess courses of action and potential effects on operations, the company said. "SPA has always differentiated itself through the depth of our mission expertise, and we continue to invest in technologies that make that expertise even more powerful for our clients," said SPA CEO Rich Sawchak. "Making AthenaSight commercially available gives national security organizations greater access to a proven capability for examining complex mission challenges, testing alternatives, and making informed decisions faster." Organizations can now evaluate, license and deploy AthenaSight directly from SPA. The commercial version includes licensing and intellectual property protections and has undergone security verification and validation. SPA also provides installation, configuration, software maintenance and other professional services. Staff Writer WashingtonExec celebrates the people, programs, and milestones shaping the Washington, D.C. government contracting community. Join 30,000+ leaders who start their day with The Daily. Our latest executive profiles, council news, and GovCon headlines - every morning.

Military Industry Today
Oct 14th, 2026
SPA expands access to mission planning and wargaming with commercial release of AthenaSight(TM).

SPA expands access to mission planning and wargaming with commercial release of AthenaSight(TM). SPA has always differentiated itself through the depth of its mission expertise." - SPA CEO Rich Sawchak ALEXANDRIA, VA, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / - Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA), a leading global, independent provider of data-driven analytical insights for critical national security programs and defense priorities, announced that SPA AthenaSight(TM), its collaborative digital environment for mission planning, wargaming, and operational assessment, is now commercially available. AthenaSight gives mission operators and decision-makers an intuitive environment to rapidly develop and assess scenarios, compare alternatives, identify operational gaps, and evaluate potential solutions. The platform integrates geospatial data, infrastructure, and operational force information with mission planning and wargaming capabilities, giving teams a common environment to examine courses of action and their operational implications. "SPA has always differentiated itself through the depth of our mission expertise, and we continue to invest in technologies that make that expertise even more powerful for our clients," said Rich Sawchak, CEO of SPA. "Making AthenaSight commercially available gives national security organizations greater access to a proven capability for examining complex mission challenges, testing alternatives, and making informed decisions faster." The commercial release establishes a formal path for organizations to evaluate, license, and deploy AthenaSight directly. SPA developed a commercial version of the software with licensing and intellectual property protections, along with security verification and validation. SPA also offers installation and configuration, software maintenance, and additional professional services. "AthenaSight reflects SPA's broader investment in moving mission-focused technologies from development into commercially available capabilities," said Mark Adams, Chief Capabilities Officer at SPA. "Clients can operate the technology directly or draw on SPA's technical and mission expertise for modeling, scenario development, and complex operational analysis." AthenaSight has already been applied across national security missions. Marine Corps Security Forces use the platform to assess alternative strategies and force laydowns and refine tactics and concepts of operations for current and emerging threats. The Navy is using AthenaSight to inform capability integration, security force training, and acquisition decisions. A US Coast Guard unit has also used the platform to evaluate vessel options and associated operational concepts. Genesis Eldredge Systems Planning & Analysis [email protected] SPA AthenaSight - Plan, Test, and Refine the Mission Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. Military Industry Today do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

San Diego Business Journal
Oct 8th, 2026
National security co. SPA expands with move to Ampersand.

National security co. SPA expands with move to Ampersand. DEFENSE: Mission Valley Office Supports Tech Support for Military October 8, 2026 SAN DIEGO - Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) is expanding its San Diego presence with the September opening of a new office in Mission Valley that is three times the size of the company's former location in Liberty Station. The defense company has leased the entire second floor - about 35,000 square feet - in the main building of the two-building Ampersand at 350 Camino De La Reina, the former home of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Built in 1975, Ampersand was redeveloped into an office building in 2018 when the newspaper moved its office downtown. Strategic Value Partners (SVP) and Lincoln Property Management bought the 346,396-square-foot Ampersand in September for about $92 million, according to CoStar, a property listing and analysis company. "This investment underscores our confidence in the San Diego office market, where leasing momentum is outpacing many peer markets," Scott Moffat, executive vice president and San Diego market leader at Lincoln Property Management, said at the time of the sale. "This facility gave us the amenities that we were looking for to make it into a comfortable place to work, but also proximity to our customer," said Matt Norton, SPA group leader in San Diego. Much of the work that SPA does in San Diego is for the U.S. Navy, including the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command. "SPA is a national security company that brings together engineers to advance government clients and address complex mission challenges," Norton said. "It could be helping them pick the right software to buy. It could be helping them understand how they need to update their tactics. It could be helping them pick the right vendors." SPA also does some work with the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "A lot of what we do for the Navy is applicable to other services," Norton said. "Company-wide, we do work across the board." Community connections. The company has about 100 employees in San Diego, and plans to continue adding to its staff, according to Norton. "We're trying to grow as much as we can. We've got some unique capabilities that our customers like," Norton said. "We have plans to continue to grow and living in this facility is a way to support that now and in the future. We don't have a specific target. We're growing in a lot of different areas." SPA also uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its work and advises clients on its use for national security missions. "I think everybody's using AI at this point. What we're working on is how do you apply it safety, effectively and smartly," Norton said. When SPA leased space in Ampersand, it was just a shell. "We built a lot of infrastructure here to support a lot of the AI and software," Norton said. "We set it up to support collaboration." That includes two large conference rooms "that we're using not only for SPA's open houses and things like that, but also for our clients," Norton said, including "a lot of the creature comforts that we didn't necessarily have in our Liberty Station setting." "We've got a nice employee lounge. We've got a nice employee lounge. We've got some communal space here where people can collaborate. We have a very nice kitchen," Norton said. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the area is flooded with natural light. "It's kind of very open with that industrial look that's very popular," Norton said. "We want to make the office someplace comfortable where people want to come to work, they want to sit down with their coworkers and get a cup of coffee." Because of its history as the newspaper's home, "It's got ties to the local community, which is really nice," Norton said. "It's a great building." Systems Planning & Analysis HEADQUARTERS: Alexandria, VA CEO: Richard Sawchak BUSINESS: defense EMPLOYEES: 3,059 WEBSITE: www.spa.com CONTACT: 619-727-4020 NOTABLE: Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) is a global, independent analytical and technical innovation firm advancing complex national security priorities across defense, intelligence, and homeland security. A native of New England, Ray Huard has been a reporter at newspapers in California, Florida and New England, including The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union, the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post in West Palm Beach, the San Diego Union-Tribune, the North County Times, and the San Diego Business Journal. He has covered a wide variety of beats including real estate, politics, science, the environment, state and city government and courts.