RF Comms Systems Engineer

Overview:

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPAs Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense

SPA has a need for a highly qualified RF Comms Systems Engineer.

Primary Duty Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and train multi-domain test strategy for the United States Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) through end-to-end involvement in multi-domain testing embedded with a DoD capability development organization in Chantilly.
  • Author complex and integrated multi-domain test plans, execute test, and analyze and report on test results.
  • Integrate and manage air and space stakeholders into applicable demonstration phases to leverage cost/time sharing benefits.
  • Practice integrated and synchronized multi-domain operations in large force exercises.
  • Facilitate enduring relationships between the government program office and designated test partners with regular meetings driven by pre-coordinated agendas and schedules.
  • Integrate air, space, and cyber test strategies into coherent multi-domain strategy that can be taught to air, space, and cyber operators.
  • Distill lessons learned and acquired multidomain testing knowledge to actionable recommendations back to STARCOM and National Space Test & Training Range (NSTTR) senior leadership.
• Assist STARCOM and DoD Capa multi-domain program office personnel with engineering, systems engineering, coordination, and other supporting tasks relating to multi-domain test activities.
  • Participate in tailored system engineering reviews contributing to acquisition program milestone decision processes as it relates to future multi-domain testing.
  • 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.
  • Provide managerial/leadership skills to assist with cross organizational collaboration and communication.
• Provide objective information and analysis to STARCOM and DoD capability development organization supporting decision making on current and future multi-domain investments.
• Be recognized as a Subject Matter Expert exhibiting high degree of ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness.
  • Applies and/or develops highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories, and concepts.
  • Often acts independently to resolve issues associated with the development and implementation of operational programs.
  • Plans, programs, and recommends technological application programs to accomplish long term objectives.
• Serve as the STARCOM MDO Liaison capturing and developing technical requirements for in-work and upcoming multi-domain programs that inform NSTTR infrastructure and processes.
  • Includes targeted interactions with stakeholders, the military services, senior defense decision makers, and other government agencies.
• Special Projects as agreed upon by STARCOM and DoD capability development organization MDO Program Leadership.

Required Skills

• Graduate Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering (with focus on RF Engineering/Communications Systems Engineering is highly desired), or related disciplines; or Undergraduate Degree in same fields with equivalent years of experience.
• 10+ years test or technical project management experience with the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community.
• Minimum 3-years of experience working with air to air, ground to space, or space to space radio frequency (RF) communications (COMM) and datalink technologies.
  • Demonstrated experience performing link budget analysis for ALL types of RF links (Communications/Radar/Remote Sensing)
• Minimum 2 years of space domain test experience, either Developmental or Operational Test, performing test planning, test execution, and data analysis/test reporting responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to perform technical analysis of advanced RF Transmit/Receive Systems operating in denied environments.
• Experience using geospatial modeling software to visualize multi-domain scenarios for demonstration and training purposes.
• Demonstrated understanding of air and space systems engineering processes and tools.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and writing) skills.
  • Demonstrated experience using critical thinking to prepare written reports and presentations for decision makers.
  • Demonstrated experience compiling and articulating complex technical knowledge into digestible talking points for senior leaders.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to plan, work, and deliver both independently and as part of a diverse team focused on delivering novel multi-domain capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and professionally interact with staff members and executive leadership via both verbal and written means.
• Eligible candidates must have an active TS Security Clearance with SCI.
• Must have experience working within DoD or IC special access programs.

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated experience in test planning, execution, and reporting on national test ranges.
• Demonstrated experience with both developmental and operational test communities.
• Demonstrated experience with air, space, and cyber operations in large force exercises and readying operators for real-world operations.
• Project management, test, or technical development experience of COMM technologies, with demonstrated experience planning and performing system performance and survivability evaluations.
• Demonstrated technical experience in both air and space domains is preferred.