Aerospace Engineer -- Subject Matter Expert

MAINSAIL Group is accepting applications for a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Aerospace Engineer Space Sensing Systems Engineering & Integration, to provide the highest level of systems engineering and integration expertise to the U.S. Space Force's Space Sensing directorate. This role brings deep, recognized expertise in aerospace systems engineering and serves as a technical authority for complex integration challenges across Space Sensing's portfolio of satellite, ground, and user equipment systems.

This position will lead technically complex engineering analyses, advise Government program managers and Chief Engineers, and contribute SME-level judgment to the most demanding architectural and integration decisions facing the directorate including next-generation missile warning capabilities, sensor-to-shooter integration, and modernization of legacy missile warning ground infrastructure.

*Anticipated award/start date September 28, 2026

What you will be doing:

• Provide SME-level technical leadership on complex aerospace systems engineering and integration challenges across Space Sensing programs.

• Lead engineering trade studies, system concept evaluations, and architecture analyses; develop recommendations on technical baseline alternatives.

• Advise Government Chief Engineers, program managers, and IPT leads on systems integration approaches, technical risk, and engineering trade-offs.

• Support integration across segments of the overall Tasking, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TPED) architecture and interfaces between satellite, ground, and user segments.

• Lead reviews of contractor technical baselines, engineering change proposals, and configuration change board submissions.

• Mentor mid-level engineers and analysts; contribute to engineering process improvement and discipline.

• Represent the contractor team at senior technical interchange meetings, working groups, and Government/Industry forums.

• Prepare technical briefings, white papers, and engineering position papers for senior Government audiences.

Job Requirements:

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

• U.S. citizenship.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited institution.

• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible aerospace engineering experience, with demonstrated SME-level depth in systems engineering, integration, or architecture.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex systems engineering efforts on DoD space, missile, or sensor systems.

• Recognized technical expertise in at least one of: missile warning satellite systems, missile tracking systems, overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) sensors, satellite-to-ground integration, or strategic/tactical missile warning ground systems.

• Strong written and verbal communication; demonstrated ability to brief Senior Executive Service, general officer, and Chief Engineer audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in a technical discipline.

• Prior direct support to SSC/SN, SMC, or predecessor Space Force / Air Force space organizations.

• DAWIA Level III in Engineering or Program Management.

• Recognized industry contributions (peer-reviewed publications, technical society leadership, AIAA/INCOSE technical fellowships).

• Familiarity with the SSC Systems Engineering Plan framework and SSC technical standards.

• INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification.

Expected salary range: $161,000 – $178,000

MAINSAIL Group is located in Boston, MA and Washington, DC. We leverage our extensive operational expertise and technical knowledge to provide best-in-class solutions to our customers. Our specialized services support offices across the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs delivering Program Management, Software Development, Systems Engineering, C4ISR Systems Acquisition, Strategic Planning, Agile methodologies and more.

MAINSAIL Group is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of any legally protected characteristic including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, medical condition, military veteran status or on the basis of physical handicap which, with reasonable accommodation, render the application to satisfactorily perform the job available.