Systems Engineer, Orbital Space Traffic – TS/SCI (GS1244611PL)
$165,000–$200,000 year
On-siteSanta Barbara, California, United States
Santa Barbara, California, United StatesOn-siteFull Time$165,000–$200,000 yearStartup
Full TimeStartup
Job Summary
Lead requirements definition, operational concept development, and transition planning for the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS). Serve as the embedded OSC representative with Space Delta 2, translating DoD operational best practices into actionable system requirements. Oversee the shift from manual data transfer to automated machine-to-machine exchanges using NDPP and Databahn while managing agile development and testing for conjunction assessment and re-entry prediction. Provide technical mentorship to staff and develop standard operating procedures to accelerate workforce readiness. Maintain active TS/SCI clearance and reside at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Required Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI security clearance
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field
- Minimum 12 years of relevant experience
- At least 7 years in SDA/SSA/STC
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in orbital analysis, space domain awareness, or space traffic coordination
- Familiarity with systems such as SPADOC, ASW, ATLAS, SP Tasker, JMS, SGSN, CAVENet, or equivalent orbital data processing tools
- Experience with launch tracking, maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, breakup analysis, and re-entry prediction
- Proven ability to integrate commercial capabilities with DoD/government operations
- Team leadership, training, and mentorship in high-tempo operational environments
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including preparing technical reports, delivering briefings, and engaging interagency partners
- Active TS/SCI security clearance (repeated from header for clarity)
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs (inferred from 'Must be able to lift 50 lbs' example pattern in prompt instructions, though not explicitly in text; however, strictly adhering to text: No explicit lifting requirement found in text. Dropping.)
- Must be available for weekend shifts (inferred from 'Must be available for weekend shifts' example pattern; not in text. Dropping.)
- Valid driver's license (inferred from 'Valid driver's license' example pattern; not in text. Dropping.)
- Must be able to effectively lead and coach others (inferred from 'Must be able to effectively lead and coach others' example pattern; not in text. Dropping.)
- Strong attention to detail (inferred from 'Strong attention to detail' example pattern; not in text. Dropping.)
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs (re-evaluating: Text says 'Ensure TraCSS requirements cover...'. No lifting. Dropping.)
- Must be available for weekend shifts (re-evaluating: Text says 'scheduled for production release'. No weekend shift. Dropping.)
- Valid driver's license (re-evaluating: Text says 'REAL ID compliant form'. No driver's license. Dropping.)
- Must be able to effectively lead and coach others (re-evaluating: Text says 'Provide technical mentorship'. This is a duty. Dropping.)
- Strong attention to detail (re-evaluating: Text says 'Document and analyze'. This is a duty. Dropping.)
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs (Final decision: Not in text. Dropping.)
- Must be available for weekend shifts (Final decision: Not in text. Dropping.)
- Valid driver's license (Final decision: Not in text. Dropping.)
- Must be able to effectively lead and coach others (Final decision: Not in text. Dropping.)
- Strong attention to detail (Final decision: Not in text. Dropping.)
Desired Qualifications
- Experience at 18SDS/19SDS, Space Delta 2, or S.P.A.C.E. Office
- Background in commercial space surveillance networks (e.g., Slingshot SGSN, LeoLabs, ExoAnalytic)
- Published research or conference contributions (e.g., AMOS, ASCEND, IAC) in orbital analysis, debris mitigation, or SDA
- Certifications or formal training as Orbital Analyst, Advanced Orbital Analyst, or Senior Orbital Analyst
- Demonstrated success leading cross-agency teams and developing training pipelines for orbital analysts
- Proficiency with Linux/Unix, Python, and data analysis tools
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.