Space Radar Engineer

About the role

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.

SSI is seeking a Space Radar Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to our Customer in Chantilly, VA. The role advises on space-based radar payload performance and processing, providing independent assessments of system design, on-orbit data products, and mission effectiveness. The individual applies deep radar tradecraft expertise to evaluate product quality, troubleshoot anomalies, and guide improvements across the end-to-end system from collection through processing and operational use.

Role and Responsibilities include:

- Serve as a trusted, independent advisor to the Government on all aspects of space-based radar payload performance and processing.

- Provide objective assessments of contractor designs, algorithm implementations, and system performance.

- Assess risks, technical maturity, and performance margins across development and operational systems.

- Assess collection modes, tasking strategies, and geometry impacts on product performance.

- Provide actionable recommendations to improve product quality and operational effectiveness.

- Work closely with operators, system engineers, and contractors to diagnose and resolve operational issues.

- Evaluate end-to-end radar signal processing chains, including calibration, image formation, detection, and tracking.

- Analyze interactions between space segment, ground processing, communications, and tasking systems.

- Support development and refinement of radar mission requirements and performance metrics.

- Ensure lessons learned from operations are fed back into system improvements.

- Advise on future enhancements to payload capability, processing algorithms, and product generation.

- Assist in developing Customer positions, technical assessments, and decision briefings for leadership.

Required Qualifications: - Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and CI polygraph (polygraph within the last ten (10) years).

- Master's degree in engineering and ten (10) or more years of experience.

- Experience with all phases of the satellite mission lifecycle, from concept development and design through integration, testing, and post-launch operations.

- Direct experience with space-based radar systems or closely related ISR platforms.

- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a Government/Contractor team environment.

- Ability to communicate complex technical topics to Senior decision-makers with varying technical backgrounds through clear briefings and written reports.