SDA Ground Systems Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is hiring a Ground Systems Engineer to provide SETA support to the Space Development Agency (SDA). The role supports the Advanced Fire Control ground segment, PWSA Futures engineering, and cross-program integration through readiness assessments, schedule and interface analysis, test planning, and coordination with government and vendor teams.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and refine Ground Readiness Review (GRR) guidelines and Engineering Design Reviews (EDR) used by prime contractors to configure and validate ground assets
• Build and update ground readiness visualization tools to support Pre‑Ship Review (PSR) and GRR events
• Analyze Ka‑band antenna laydown modeling to identify conflicts between AFC Space Vehicle Vendors (SVV) mission contacts and provide engineering recommendations
• Evaluate and validate ground system verification evidence, coordinating with SDA SMEs to close requirements, update RVTMs, and track contractor submissions
• Perform detailed analysis of the program Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) to identify critical path elements, subsystem priorities, and alignment with major program milestones
• Develop and maintain a Critical Path Stop‑Light Tool linking DISA circuits to ground subsystem readiness, IVV&T dependencies, and risk drivers affecting SVVF2 IOC
• Create and maintain SVV test matrix charts mapping subsystem dependencies across AFCGI for AFC programs
• Support cross‑functional TEMs to assess network requirements (e.g., IPv6 vs. IPv4) and coordinate related system engineering decisions
• Analyze SVV interaction and test readiness across phases (e.g., launch readiness, operational readiness, SVV ground resource dependencies)
• Coordinate with the Space Data Network (SDN) team to evaluate AFCGI and SVV interfaces supporting future architectures
• Work with SDA South, Enterprise IT, and Facilities personnel to support ground infrastructure readiness, inspections, facility operations, and technology integration at the Demonstration Operations Center (DOC)
• Review ERB packages, configuration items, and technical documentation impacting the AFC Ground Infrastructure designs and milestones
• Prepare technical artifacts, reports, and analysis summaries for PMO consumption
• Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)/MOU – Develop MOAs with corresponding mission partners

Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance or Active Secret clearance with the capability to obtain a TS/SCI within 6 months
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or equivalent
• 8+ years of relevant experience in ground systems engineering, satellite operations, or space system integration
• Experience with DoD space acquisition, systems engineering processes, readiness reviews, or integration and test
• Ability to interpret and analyze IMS schedules, interface specifications, network architectures, and system test plans
• Strong communication skills and experience collaborating with Government stakeholders and vendor teams
• Ability to independently lead technical assessments and readiness activities
• Experience implementing DISA network requirements, ICDs, and test readiness criteria
• Background in RF/Ka‑band systems, antenna, functionality, or SVV testing
• Experience with network protocol analysis (IPv4/IPv6), cross‑system interface definition, or complex ground‑to‑space integration
• Familiarity with MBSE tools or digital engineering workflows
• PMP, INCOSE ASEP/CSEP, or equivalent certification
• When visiting Meadows, a TS is highly desirable