Systems Engineers

By /

Website Talent Ali

Job Summary: Systems Engineer (Horizon Program)

SAIC is seeking Systems Engineers at various experience levels to join the Horizon program in Colorado Springs, CO. In this high-impact role, you will act as a subject matter expert for the U.S. Space Force (USSF), specifically supporting the Space Systems Command (SSC). You will be at the core of the mission to deliver and protect warfighter capabilities within the Space Domain Awareness (SDA), Combat Power, and Battle Management, Command, Control, and Communications (BMC3) portfolios. This role involves advising the government on architecture and full-lifecycle engineering for satellites, ground systems, and command-and-control (C2) services.

Key Responsibilities

  • Full Lifecycle Engineering: Provide expertise from initial concept development through to operational deployment and sustainment for space and ground-based systems.

  • Technical Oversight: Oversee design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) for both traditional (Waterfall) and modern (Agile/Prototype) acquisition programs.

  • Architecture & Design: Develop operational concepts (ConOps) and evolve system architectures; conduct requirements flow-down and propose mitigation strategies for complex system-of-systems.

  • Digital Engineering: Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to conduct modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) to validate system performance before hardware is built.

  • Risk & Baseline Management: Manage the program technical baseline through rigorous Configuration Management and lead risk management processes to identify and adjudicate program-level risks.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

  • Experience: Minimum of 9 years in systems integration and systems engineering (or equivalent).

  • Technical Proficiencies: * Leading combined hardware/software and space/ground integration.

    • Expertise in MBSE methodologies and lifecycle support.

    • Hands-on experience with Agile and DevOps development techniques.

       

Market & Industry Context: Space Force Trends 2026

The USSF’s shift toward a “Digital Service” is fully realized in 2026, making this role technically demanding.

  • Proliferated Architectures: The SSC is moving away from large, monolithic satellites toward “proliferated” constellations (hundreds of smaller satellites). Engineers must now manage the complexity of massive data fusion from distributed sensors.

  • “Software-First” Acquisition: Reflecting the 2026 Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) philosophy, this role prioritizes speed. Systems Engineers are expected to integrate capabilities in months rather than years by leveraging cloud-based “Application Factories.”

  • Space as a Contested Domain: With increased threats to space assets, SDA (Space Domain Awareness) has evolved from simple tracking to active “Space Battle Management,” requiring high-fidelity C2 architectures that can survive electronic and kinetic interference.

About SAIC & The Horizon Program

SAIC is a premier Fortune 500 mission integrator that focuses on advancing technology for national security

  • The Horizon Mission: This program is specifically designed to provide the Government with “unbiased” technical advice, acting as an extension of the program office to ensure contractor delivery meets the mission’s “Semantic DNA.”

  • Impact: Horizon team members directly influence the protection of the nation’s most valuable space assets, ensuring they are resilient against 21st-century threats.

Career Growth & Professional Development

  • Strategic Influence: You will regularly interact with senior military leadership (O-6 and above) to provide decision-quality briefings.

  • Certifications: SAIC encourages and often rewards professional certifications such as INCOSE CSEP, Agile PM/PO, or Professional Engineer (PE).

  • Pathways: Growth opportunities include Deputy Systems Engineering Lead, Chief Engineer, or transitioning into specialized Project Management roles within the SSC ecosystem.

Compensation & Total Rewards

  • Target Salary Range: $160,001 – $200,000 (reflecting the high-demand nature of TS/SCI space professionals in 2026).

  • Comprehensive Benefits: Includes medical, dental, vision, and wellness incentives.

  • Financial Future: 401(k) with matching and employee stock purchase options.

  • Security & Flexibility: While this is an on-site role due to classification levels, SAIC offers a supportive environment with robust resources for clearing complex security hurdles.

Interview Preparation Insights

  • The MBSE Deep-Dive: Expect questions on how you have specifically used tools like Cameo or No Magic to resolve requirements conflicts in a digital environment.

  • Acquisition Knowledge: Be prepared to discuss your experience with DoDI 5000.02 and how you apply Agile principles to hardware-heavy space programs.

  • Mission Focus: Highlighting a time you identified a technical risk that could have compromised “Warfighter Capability” will demonstrate the right mindset for this specific program.

    Category Details & Specifications
    Employer SAIC
    Location Colorado Springs, CO (or El Segundo, CA)
    Target Salary $160,001 – $200,000
    Clearance TS/SCI Eligibility (T5/SSBI + Polygraph required)
    Program Horizon (Supporting U.S. Space Force)

    Mission Scope: Space Domain Awareness & Combat Power

    As a Systems Engineer on the Horizon program, you are advising the Space Systems Command (SSC) on the architecture and lifecycle of weapon systems that protect national space assets. This involves high-level integration of both space-based (satellites) and ground-based command and control (C2) services.

    Functional Area Actionable Tasks
    Lifecycle SE Providing expertise from concept development through production and sustainment.
    Technical Oversight Monitoring design and manufacturing via both waterfall and Agile/DevOps methodologies.
    Architecture Developing operational concepts (CONOPS) and evolving complex system architectures.
    MBSE Utilizing Model-Based Systems Engineering tools for simulation and analysis.
    Risk & CM Maintaining the technical baseline and implementing risk reduction measures.

    Mandatory Qualifications & Technical Expertise

    • Education: Bachelor’s in Engineering, Math, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

    • Experience: Minimum of 9+ years in systems integration and engineering.

    • Core Competencies:

      • Leading hardware/software and space/ground integration.

      • Proficiency in MBSE methodologies.

      • Experience with Agile/Prototype development and DevOps processes.

    • Security Clearance: Must have an in-scope T5 or SSBI background investigation with SCI eligibility. Candidates must be willing to undergo a Polygraph.

    Desired Skills & Professional Certifications

    SAIC prioritizes candidates who bring “subject matter expertise” in National Security Space (NSS) or Space Control.

    • Advanced Degrees: Master’s or PhD in a technical field.

    • Certifications: INCOSE CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional), ITEA CTEP, or Agile PM/PO certifications.

    • Experience: Direct experience within a U.S. Government weapons system program office.

    Comparison: Colorado Springs Defense & Aerospace Roles

    Metric SAIC Systems Engineer USPS City Carrier (CCA) Front Desk (Non-Profit)
    Annual Salary $160k – $200k ~$42k – $50k ~$38k – $40k
    Clearance TS/SCI + Poly Public Trust (Crim. Check) None
    Primary Tool MBSE / Agile / DevOps LLV / Sorting Rack Multi-line Phone / Database
    Education B.S. Eng (9+ Yrs Exp) High School / GED High School / GED
    Complexity Orbital Mechanics / C2 Logistics / Navigation Service / Scheduling

To apply for this job please visit jobs.saic.com.