Acquisition Program Engineer, SSC/SW

Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn. The United States Space Force (USSF) in Chantilly, VA is searching for an Acquisition Program Engineer to support SSC/SW (NH-0801-03, GS-12/13 Equivalent).

Description: Join Space Systems Command as a General Engineer supporting the development and acquisition of advanced sensing capabilities that strengthen space-enabled mission outcomes. In this role, you will lead and support complex engineering projects and studies within established cost, schedule, and performance constraints, with a focus on advanced sensor acquisition, and targeting capabilities.

You will work across a dynamic system-of-systems environment to translate operational needs into sound technical solutions, resolve challenging integration issues, manage technical risk, and help shape program strategies. Looking for an innovative, collaborative engineer who can bring together diverse technical and program stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.

You will apply sound engineering judgment to evaluate complex problems, develop and assess alternatives, and provide clear, actionable recommendations to senior leaders. Success in this position requires the ability to manage priorities and resources, coordinate with customers and partner organizations, monitor progress, and evaluate results.

Strong communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills are essential to explaining highly technical concepts, building consensus, and advancing solutions that meet operational expectations.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate is an experienced engineer with a background in systems, aerospace, electronics, or a related engineering discipline, with demonstrated experience supporting the acquisition, development, integration, testing, or sustainment of complex space, airborne, sensor, or weapon-system capabilities.

The candidate should be able to independently lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts; develop and manage system requirements, specifications, and performance objectives; assess technical alternatives; and provide recommendations that balance cost, schedule, performance, reliability, supportability, and technical risk.

Experience integrating hardware, software, sensors, and mission systems across multiple platforms or domains is highly desirable. The candidate should be skilled in systems engineering, specialty engineering, mission assurance, lifecycle management, risk mitigation, and technical analysis.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for preparing technical reports, presenting briefings, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and advising leadership. Experience with advanced sensing architectures, Airborne/Space Moving Target Indication (AMTI), space systems, surveillance or reconnaissance systems, sensor integration, or similar mission areas is preferred.

The 0801 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In addition to the above requirements you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.