Mission Operations Engineer

Mission Operations Engineer

Job ID: 2618310

Location: Chantilly, VA, United States

Date Posted: Oct 22, 2026

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 25% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Poly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: On-Site

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Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a dynamic, next-generation space program in Chantilly, VA. This role supports mission operations for innovative satellite constellations and advanced space capabilities, working closely with government, contractor, and operational partners. The position is mission-focused, highly collaborative, and directly impacts national space mission readiness and performance.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor satellite system performance and support day-to-day mission operations, including readiness, initialization, checkout, and transition to operational status.
• Provide SETA support to government stakeholders in planning, coordinating, and executing satellite system operations and mission activities.
• Assist in identifying, tracking, and resolving system issues and anomalies in coordination with government, contractor, and operational teams.
• Support analysis of operational issues, risks, dependencies, and performance trends; clearly communicate impacts and recommended actions to leadership.
• Develop and contribute to operational assessments, status summaries, briefings, reports, and other documentation related to system health, readiness, and mission impacts.
• Coordinate across government, contractor, and mission partner organizations to support mission execution, operational alignment with objectives, and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Provide general technical, analytical, and coordination support in a dynamic operations environment, managing multiple priorities and stakeholder inputs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field and 5+ years of relevant experience; OR

• Master's degree in a related technical field and 3+ years of relevant experience; OR

• High school diploma/GED and 9+ years of directly relevant satellite operations or mission operations experience in lieu of a degree.

• Knowledge of satellite systems operations and mission support activities (e.g., initialization, checkout, routine operations, anomaly resolution).

• Experience monitoring system performance and supporting operational readiness and mission execution.

• Demonstrated ability to support identification, tracking, and resolution of system issues and anomalies in collaboration with government and contractor teams.

• Experience providing technical, analytical, and coordination support for operational activities, status reporting, and leadership updates.

• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Ability to assess system status, operational impacts, risks, and clearly communicate findings to leadership and mission partners.

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically as required.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is required.
• Must be able to maintain clearance eligibility for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting NRO, IC, or DoD space or ground systems operations.
• Background in mission operations, satellite command and control, or spacecraft engineering.
• Prior SETA experience supporting government program offices or operations centers.
• Experience with operational procedures development, mission planning, or readiness assessments.
• Familiarity with anomaly resolution processes, root-cause analysis, and corrective action tracking.
• Experience working in highly integrated, multi-contractor and government environments.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily performed in an office and/or operations center environment.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer or operations console.
• Ability to participate in meetings, briefings, and potential shift or surge support during critical operations periods, as required.

2026.10.2

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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