
Electro Optical Engineer
Required skills
- Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph
- Electro-Optical systems
- tasking
- command & control
- collection
- mission processing
- dissemination
- Ground Software
- Space Development Programs
- Mission Operations
Nice to have
- emerging technologies
- vulnerabilities
- mission-enhancing solutions
- technical cognizance
- GEOINT mission processing portfolio
- Prime Contractor development efforts
Role summary
SAIC is seeking an Electro-Optical (EO) Engineer in Chantilly, VA, to support the NRO's Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED). This role involves advising government leaders on developing and modernizing next-generation EO GEOINT mission processing capabilities. Responsibilities include advancing EO resiliency, managing contractor development efforts, defining requirements, conducting performance assessments, and evaluating vendor proposals. The position requires experience with EO systems, GEOINT mission processing, requirements development, and strong communication skills, with an active Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph clearance.
SAIC is seeking a Electro‑Optical (EO) Engineer to join SAIC’s Prime SETA program in Chantilly, VA supporting the NRO’s Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED).
In this role, you will also serve as a trusted technical advisor driving the development and modernization of next‑generation EO GEOINT mission processing capabilities. You will collaborate closely with government leaders, development contractors, and mission partners to shape resilient, high‑performance solutions that directly support national security priorities.
Key Responsibilities to include:
- Advance EO resiliency initiatives by evaluating emerging technologies, identifying vulnerabilities, and guiding mission‑enhancing solutions in partnership with IC stakeholders.
- Maintain technical cognizance across a broad GEOINT mission processing portfolio, tracking baselines, schedules, dependencies, risks, and cost drivers to ensure program success.
- Oversee Prime Contractor development efforts, providing technical insight and ensuring software development, integration, and testing activities align with government requirements and mission objectives.
- Advise senior and mid‑level government leadership on architectural decisions, investment strategies, acquisition priorities, and risk assessments shaping the future Ground Enterprise.
- Develop and coordinate Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for new capabilities, ensuring alignment across mission threads and stakeholder organizations.
- Define enterprise, system, functional, performance, and interface requirements that guide the development of modern, scalable GEOINT processing applications.
- Conduct performance assessments and deliver cost, schedule, and risk impact analyses for current and future Ground architecture implementations.
- Evaluate vendor proposals and technical documentation, assessing design artifacts for alignment with mission needs, technical standards, and acquisition best practices.
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. Relevant experience to be substituted in lieu of degree.
- Active Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph.
- Experience with Electro‑Optical systems, including tasking, command & control, collection, mission processing, or dissemination.
- Domain knowledge in Ground Software, Space Development Programs, or Mission Operations.
- Experience supporting requirements development and definition activities.
- Strong organizational, time‑management, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information across diverse customer and corporate audiences.
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office tool suite.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.
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