Space RCO Systems Engineer SV
Modern Technology Solutions
Albuquerque, NM · Posted September 23, 2026
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About the job
MTSI is searching for a skilled Systems Engineer to support development of first-of-kind space vehicles and missions. This handpicked candidate must possess technical expertise and experience with developing, designing, building, and integrating advanced mission payload hardware and software. In this position, you will provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO).
The Space RCO program office, located at Kirtland AFB, NM, is a small, streamlined organization with dedicated, organic acquisition support functions: contracting, financial management, human resources, security, program management and technical engineering support that are critical in enabling the rapid response required for classified space programs. The mission is to develop and deliver operationally dominant space capabilities at the speed of warfighting relevance in response to Commander, U.S. Space Command requirements. A successful candidate should be a leader and problem solver with a proven ability to deliver superior results as part of a high performing team in a high-profile, fast-paced environment.
Systems Engineer Principal Duty You will work in a small, highly empowered team where every team member is directly responsible for the success of the program. Engineering responsibilities span technology domains including space-rated/qualified cryptographic and communications hardware and software, and integration with other subsystems, sensors, and processors in an extremely fast-paced, responsive development environment. This SETA candidate will provide in-depth background on cryptographic and communication subsystems to improve program office insight into state-of-the art IC, DoD, commercial and legacy space vehicle systems, requirements and capabilities. You must apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts for highly classified systems, while also effectively communicating complex results with management and executive leadership.
SETA Role and Responsibilities: · Supports design, interpretation, and analysis of technical solutions to complex projects · Leads or supports technical programs, projects, or tasks whose technical complexity requires engineering oversight · Ensures completion of tasks within estimated time frames and budget constraints · Provides input to the government customer concerning risks to performance, schedule, and budget due to either proposed contractor plans or contractor's execution of accepted plans · Ensure the quality of the program, project, or task deliverables meet or exceed standards or metrics and assesses such deliverables to ensure that the final deliverables will meet the warfighting purpose for which they are intended · Plans and performs engineering research, design development, and other engineering assignments in conformance with the design, engineering, and customer specifications · Responsible for the overall technical/engineering portions of major projects or programs · Coordinates with multiple partners/agencies to ensure system engineering communities support delivery milestones · Tracks and advises design trades and associated cost, schedule, and technical impacts to requirements · Initiates, supervises, and/or develops requirements from a project’s inception to conclusion for complex to extremely complex programs · Provides strategic advice, technical guidance and expertise to program and project staff · Provides detailed analysis, evaluation and recommendations for improvements, optimization development and/or maintenance efforts for client specific or mission critical challenges/issues · Consults with client to define need or problem · Supervises studies and leads surveys to collect and analyze data to provide advice and recommend solutions
Communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy—oral and written
· Other duties as required
Qualifications
Required skills:
Minimum five (5) years DoD/IC, or relevant industry work experience
Skilled in development and fielding cryptographic and satellite communication systems
Understanding of space operational environment and corresponding mission user needs
Knowledge of space mission payload engineering, development, and manufacturing
Experience in DoD program management including program development and transition
Experience with Integrated Master Schedules, and risk management
Experience with Statements of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statements (PWS)
Desired skills:
Five (5) years of relevant DoD and/or Industry work experience with SAP/RSV and/or SCI
Experience as System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to Government program office
Experience with rapid prototyping
Experience with integrated air, space, and cyberspace capabilities
Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining ground mission planning architecture and software
Experience with ACAT I/II level acquisition programs
Experience in planning and executing test campaigns for space systems
Fluency with IC organizations
Education
Desired Requirements:
An applicable engineering degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or possess a Professional Engineering license
Relevant MA/MS/ME degree
Clearance:
· Active TOP SECRET clearance with sensitive compartmentalized information (SCI) and special access program (SAP) eligibility (no less than two (2) years total SAP and/or SCI environment experience, with 1-year total within last 5 years) and willingness to submit to a Counter-Intelligence polygraph
Candidate must maintain a TS/SCI clearance as a condition of employment
Location/Travel Requirements:
· Full-time, on site in vicinity of Kirtland AFB, NM, and will require travel up to 30% of time within the continental United States
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