Job Description

A Lead Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a government Project Manager that works with technical SETA SMEs as an interface between government leadership and contractors, assisting in managing team workflows while providing technical, cost, and schedule expertise. This position advises on the full acquisition lifecycle for rapid prototyping and transition to operations and sustainment of end-to-end space and hypersonic systems—including SOW development, risk management, and contractor performance evaluation. You will organize and influence a diverse community of experts from across the Operations, Acquisition, and Intelligence Communities to set technical direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquisition Leadership: Guide the development of acquisition documents such as Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Source Selection Plans (SSP), and Request for Proposals (RFP) as well as inputs to the Department of War (DOW) Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process.
• Complex Systems Integration: Oversee the integration of disparate subsystems (e.g., flight vehicle, payload, ground segment) into a cohesive, operational capability, ensuring functional and performance requirements are met across a system-of-systems architecture.
• Interface Management: Direct the development, negotiation, verification, and maintenance of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between system segments, prime contractors, and government-furnished equipment providers.
• Technical Oversight: Provide subject matter expertise on the design, development, and testing of complex space and hypersonic systems. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Space Systems: Satellite constellations (LEO/MEO/GEO), space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities, resilient communication networks, advanced ISR payloads, and associated launch vehicle and ground segment integration.
  • Hypersonic Systems: Boost-glide vehicles, air-breathing cruise missiles, and related technologies such as advanced materials, thermal protection systems (TPS), scramjet/ramjet propulsion, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as a primary technical liaison between the program office, development contractors, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and external agencies to de-conflict technical issues and ensure alignment of engineering and programmatic efforts.
• Performance Oversight: Assist the government with evaluating contractor performance at milestone reviews, assessing technical requirements compliance and deliverable quality.
• Strategic Advisory: Advise Government Project Managers (GPMs) on program cost, schedule, and performance management.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify program risks, develop mitigation strategies, and track impacts on mission objectives.
• Team Management: Work with the SETA team to balance workload, priorities, and staffing across critical acquisition and SME roles.

Required Qualifications

• Clearance:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must possess an active U.S. Government security clearance of Top Secret/SCI with the ability to obtain Special Access Program. Polygraph desired.
• Experience: 15–20+ years of experience in systems engineering or acquisition for space, missile, or hypersonic systems, typically within the NRO, IC, or DoD sectors.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Knowledge: Expertise in DoD 5000.02, JCIDS, acquisition regulations, and Other Transaction Contracting. Deep understanding of the technical fundamentals of spacecraft, launch vehicles, and/or hypersonic missile systems.
• Core Competencies:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster alignment among diverse, geographically separated teams.
  • Ability to prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, reports, and summary papers; explain complex concepts in relatively simple language; summarize key decisions; and provide recommendations supported by analysis.
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing plans and a high-paced day-to-day workload.
• Tools: Familiarity with Program Management tools, Digital Engineering, and MBSE tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Confluence, DOORS).
• Location: Full-time, in-office position located in SCIF/SAPF spaces.

Desired Skills

• Professional certifications: PMP, DAWIA (Level III), or INCOSE.

The anticipated compensation for the position is $200,000+ based on a full-time schedule. Your compensation will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience, and education.

Radiance Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.