Spacecraft Attitude Control Systems and Orbital Analyst

Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking an engineer with technical expertise in Spacecraft Attitude Control Systems and Orbital Mechanics to support the Vehicle Engineering branch with the Space and Launch (S&L) Division. S&L provides technical and programmatic support to coordinate and execute acquisition, vehicle engineering, adjunct payload accommodation, and integration, test and launch functions for spacecraft and adjunct payloads. The position will be located in Chantilly, VA and requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph.

In this role, you will be an integral participant in subsystem analysis, architecture, requirements development and verification of Attitude Control Systems. Key areas of focus include control theory systems engineering, review of contractor designs, and evaluation of operating modes. Furthermore, this role requires a background in astrodynamics analysis such as orbit design and orbit-attitude interaction

The following tasks are representative of those that will be accomplished at the request of the customer:

• Model and simulate attitude control algorithms (eg Kalman filter based attitude determination, Control Moment Gyroscope steering algorithms, multi-body dynamics, controls-structures interactions)
• Model and simulate astrodynamics applications (eg orbit determination, orbit maintenance, orbit design)
• Support the customer in the design, integration and test of the ACS subsystem 
• Review and coordinate on all changes to specifications, lCDs and system-level requirements documentation for the ACS subsystem
• Provide expert advice/analysis on ACS considerations for new satellite/payload developments
• Coordinate with bus development POC, S&L subsystem leads, branch chiefs and division chiefs
• Provide technical evaluation of ACS efforts in contractor Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs)
• ldentify and assess emerging risks; develop and evaluate proposed burn-down plans
• Provide expert advice/analysis on accommodation considerations for new satellite/payload developments
• Review prime contractor readiness to proceed into spacecraft manufacturing and test
• Support factory integration and test activities as needed
• Provide support to launch and satellite on-orbit test as needed
• Attend contractor milestone reviews (e.g. PDR, CDR, pre-test, pre-ship and other meetings) to provide technically based recommendations regarding satisfaction of review entrance and exit criteria
• Attend system-level design reviews, and program management reviews to assess design maturity, requirements compliance and to provide informed technical recommendations to the USG
• Attend Vehicle Engineering branch meetings 
• Support the customer in the review of financial and earned value reports
• Develop productive relationships with prime contractor counterparts, functional counterparts, and other spacecraft subsystem subject matter experts

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
• Bachelors degree in a STEM field
• 9+ years professional experience
• Experienced in the design & integration of satellite buses 
• Knowledgeable of launch & flight operations of space vehicles
• Strong understanding of attitude contol related hardware
• In depth knowledge of Matlab/Simulink, STK, and Python
• Knowledge of NASTRAN useful

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation's technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are more than 26,500 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a respectful work culture based on diversity, equity, and inclusion that values all contributors. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.1 billion. For more information, visit saic.com.