Space Radar Engineer

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.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.