Space Systems Engineer SME

LMI is seeking a skilled Space Systems Engineer SME in Colorado Springs, CO. The Space Systems Engineer SME is an expert advisor to United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) customers on technical discussions, studies, analyses, algorithms, models, simulations, and other technical products and efforts tasked in the Space Sensing and Combat Power Program Element Offices (PEOs) and Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO).

LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.

Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors—helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.

This position requires an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

• Advising the Space Systems Command PEO and SSIO leadership on technical and analytical approaches, architecture analysis, systems engineering, and development of future space and ground C2 and tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination (TCPED) systems for DoD customers.
• Operate as an individual contributor and collaborate with a team of high-performing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Operations Research Analysts, and software developers that directly support the Government through lifecycle systems engineering and management processes to deliver critical space capabilities.
• Provide oversight of acquisitions, technologies, and studies with specific focus on the system engineering processes to ensure end-to-end system closure and satisfaction of mission needs/requirements.
• Developing analytic plans and defining analytic tasks needed to understand space domain awareness (SDA) and Combat Power mission needs and refine architecture roadmaps.
• Analyzing mission data flows supporting closure of SSC kill chains to include data formats, latencies, and system connections.
• Helping modernize space and ground system architectures for the future space enterprise.
• Organize and lead efforts across multiple simultaneous studies and/or tasked efforts.
• Frequently interact and develop productive relationships with program managers, SETAs, FFRDCs, and external stakeholders.
• Support risk management processes and methods for identifying, assessing, and adjudicating program risk; Conduct analysis to identify program risk areas and recommend/implement mitigation approaches and lead tasks to closure.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate work status, briefs to government as required.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 17+ years of professional experience or master's degree in a STEM field with 15+ years of professional experience.
• Significant background in systems engineering, SDA (both space-based and ground-based) and Combat Power systems development and acquisition, analysis, operations, and/or satellite ground architectures.
• Space domain experience and understanding in SDA and Combat Power system operations, systems engineering, or developing, analyzing SDA and Combat Power systems.
• Able to work independently and thrive and work collaboratively across disciplines in a fast paced, dynamic, and small team environment.
• Strong organization and communication skills, verbal and written.
• Proven ability to work within integrated Government, FFRDC, and SETA teams.
• Ability for occasional travel.
• Active Top Secret Government security clearance. US Citizenship required.

Desired

• Active Top Secret/SCI Government security clearance.
• Ten (10) or more years of relevant technical experience in SDA or Combat Power systems development and acquisition, analysis, operations and/or program management.
• Demonstrated strong technical leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• High level of creativity, initiative systems thinking, and innovation.

Target Salary Range: $151,000 - $227,000

Disclaimer: 

The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.