Ground Systems Integration Engineer with Security Clearance

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Job description

The Ground Systems Integration Engineer (GSIE) is a technical/engineering professional who
participates in development of ground command and control (C2) software and hardware,
including Automated Data Processing Equipment (ADPE) and networks. The GSIE provides
expert advice, technical evaluations and alternatives on the technical approach and execution for
ground systems. Key areas of focus include full life cycle system support, from procurement to
Operations & Maintenance (O&M), including internal and external interfaces, requirements
analysis, requirements tracking, system design and development through system test, delivery,
installation and sell-off. The GSIE focuses on the development, testing, and integration of the
hardware and software components at the factory and Ground Stations.
GSIE Tasks include:
• Support the customer in the oversight of the design, integration and test, installation and sell-off
of spacecraft command and control systems.
• Review and assess the adequacy of ground systems specifications, RADs, RVPs, ICDs,
RVRs and system level requirements documentation.
• Review, analyze and coordinate any changes to ground system specifications.
• Perform various analyses to include RF, orbital, geolocation, pointing, antenna, frequency
management, and communications performance. Evaluate expected performance against
ground architecture capabilities.
• Assist in requirements definition, analysis and engineering, system architecting, system
and design, interface and data architectures, validation and verification, systems integration,
and system & operational performance analysis.
• Participate in defining, managing, testing, verifying and validating collection segment internal
and external interfaces.
• Track ground systems development issues, significant accomplishments and upcoming events;
provide status updates to the customer.
• Coordinate with SED, GED, MOD and non-NRO SPO ground elements as required
• Attend system level design reviews, and program management reviews to assess ground
system design maturity, requirements compliance and to provide informed technical
recommendations to the customer.
• Coordinate technical evaluations of developer Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs),
including Basis of Estimate evaluations and recommendations in support of establishing USG
cost positions
• Review, document and trace ground systems hardware and software requirements, and
coordinate with other engineers, FFRDC and developer personnel to resolve issues.
• Review ground system requirements allocations for accuracy and ensure requirement
allocation documentation is complete and accurate.
• Participate in and witness ground systems testing to verify internal and external interfaces;
review and correlate post-test data to ensure ground systems requirements are met.
• Actively participate in ground system hardware and software requirements sell-off events.
• Use analytical skills and tools to analyze design modifications and assess ground systems
implications against performance requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of current industry command and control system hardware and software
design, manufacturing and test specifications and standards and apply that knowledge during
reviews of developer documentation and processes. • Use analytical skills and tools to analyze design modifications and assess ground systems
interface implications against performance requirements.
• Review acquisition milestone ground systems design documentation for adequacy, accuracy
and completeness, and identify cost, schedule and technical risks/opportunities, and provide
mitigation strategies through formal and informal comments.
• Assess adequacy of developer verification data and provide recommendations to the GPOC for
approval or disapproval with clear commentary demonstrating the logic for the
recommendations.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with prime contractor counterparts and
functional counterparts.
GSIE Requirements include:
• 10 years Ground Systems Engineering experience
• 5 years Government space acquisition experience
• Recognized expert in satellite ground systems engineering
• Extensive knowledge of acquisition lifecycle requirements
• 3 years working with NRO/SPO ground systems procurement policies and philosophies
• Experience providing risk assessments and risk management recommendations to program
managers
• Thorough understanding of ground systems specifications, design processes, integration & test
requirements, factory and Ground Station operations plans and procedure
• Thorough knowledge of various analytical tools and methods
• Thorough understanding of Ground Systems Engineering principles and design, integration
and test requirements, including test equipment support
• Ability to effectively lead, mentor and guide the efforts of a team
• Ability to deliver effective briefings/presentations/papers on complex topics for audiences that
may be large and/or include high-level decision makers

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