SDA Enterprise Capability Lead Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.
401(k)
United States, Virginia, Chantilly
Jun 24, 2026
Are you ready to shape the future of space-based defense systems? Join MTSI's team at the Space Development Agency's (SDA) as an Enterprise Capability Lead Engineer where you will plan an essential role in defining the future of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Be part of a team working to address complex integration challenges while advancing innovative solutions that shape critical space-based capabilities. As an Enterprise Capability Lead Engineer at the SDA, you will serve as a senior engineer tasked with ensuring the successful integration, implementation, and verification of critical mission functions and capabilities across the SDS's PWSA. As the Capability Lead Engineer, you will oversee end-to-end integration efforts, address gaps in implementation, and coordinate across space and ground systems. This position will be located at our customer site in Chantilly, Virginia with the potential for regular teleworking. Role and Responsibilities* Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to: Mission Integration Leadership Own end-to-end integration for the assigned mission or functional area, including developing and managing use cases, identifying implementation gaps, and prioritizing development needs. Coordinate Activities across programs, testing, and operations to ensure integration excellence. Ensure comprehensive end-to-end verification of assigned functional area, including contributions to testing and validation plans. Strategic & Technical Support Collaborate with the Technical Director and Cell Chiefs to define future on ramps for new capabilities and perform trade studies for capabilities across tranches. Support the development of future solicitations to advance the architecture and technologies. Contribute to risk identification, management, and mitigation for the assigned mission/functional area. Technology Advancement Identify, manage, and support technology demonstrations related to the assigned area. Drive innovation by identifying opportunities for advanced capabilities aligned with agency goals. External Engagement & Representation Represent the PWSA in targeted external working groups to highlight its capabilities, identify collaboration opportunities, and establish strategic partnerships. Desired Specializations Capability and functional leads will focus on specific areas requiring specialized knowledge, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Link 16 Experience with Link 16 network planning and integration of Link 16 enabled platforms in distributed architectures. Tactical User Equipment Knowledge of tactical platforms and system engineering expertise in RF and optical free-space communication. Missile Warning/Missile Tracking/Missile Defense Experience with MW/MT/MD systems, particularly sensor technology; knowledge of data fusion techniques preferred. Scheduling Expertise in operations research and optimization; experience with large-scale mission scheduling software for space systems desired. Software Software systems engineering expertise, with experience using software metrics to monitor scheduling adherence and mitigate technical risk effectively. Network Integration experience with large-scale network systems, with desired knowledge of space-based networking architectures. Qualifications and Education Requirements* Minimum of 10 years of senior-level system engineer experience with a deep understanding of mission capabilities or system functions relevant to the PWSA. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-program integration and identify gaps in implementation. Strong knowledge of end-to-end verification processes and testing methodologies. Proven ability to manage risks and drive technological advancements. Excellent communications skills to represent the PWSA in external working groups and to interface with senior leadership. Preferred/Desired Experience: Experience working in large (CAT-I) Department of War program offices. Experience defining enterprise-level systems and requirements validation processes. This role requires an innovative thinker and collaborative leader who can bridge technical findings with high-level decision-making to enhance mission readiness and effectiveness. Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. (REQUIRED) Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. (DESIRED) Certification Requirements: None Clearance Requirements:* This role will require the person to obtain and maintain a Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI) security clearance. Active Secret Clearance is required to start Active Top Secret Clearance (Desired) TS/SCI Eligibility (Desired) U.S. Citizenship is required for this position. The pay range for this position in DC is $160,000 to $190,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled. #LI-BG1 Interesting Work: Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security. Values: Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry. 100% Employee Owned: We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year. Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for: Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year Flexible schedules 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and December) Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan Track Record of Success: We have grown every year since our founding in 1993. Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide. For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com MTSI embraces nine core values including our first core value of Employees come first. Consistent with our Core Values, we are committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.