Senior Defense Technologist – Space
Modern Technology Solutions · McLean · $180,000 (stated in the posting)
MTSI is seeking a Senior Defense Technologist specializing in the space domain, you will help the Department understand how next-generation space systems and architectures enhance joint operations, deterrence, global awareness, and resilience. You will provide deep technical insight, strategic awareness, and cross-domain understanding to ensure emerging capabilities align with future operational needs and can be integrated into mission-level constructions. This position is located in the National Capital Region (NCR).
You’ll be a great fit for this role if:
- You’re Mission-Driven: You are motivated by strengthening space capabilities that underpin U.S. national security.
- You Think Across Domains: You understand how space systems integrate with air, land, maritime, and cyber systems to support joint warfighting needs.
- You Work Well in Ambiguity: You can identify technology pathways and operational implications even when requirements are evolving.
- You Communicate with Influence: You can translate complex technical insights into clear, operationally meaningful outcomes and brief senior leaders confidently.
- You Lead with Collaboration: You work seamlessly with engineering, analysts, operators, and senior government officials.
Responsibilities:
- The successful candidate will provide advanced technical expertise, operational insights, and strategic awareness of space systems and architectures.
- Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:
- Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on space systems, architectures, and mission areas.
- Provide technical and operational assessments of space capabilities and their integration into joint and coalition operations.
- Advise on the role of current and emerging space technologies and how they contribute to mission outcomes.
- Support mission engineering, future-force design, and integrated architecture development for space and multi-domain operations.
- Evaluate technology feasibility, performance, readiness, applicability, and operational relevance.
- Collaborate with analysts conducting modeling, simulation, and campaign-level assessments to ensure space contributions are adequately represented.
- Identify and communicate space capability gaps, opportunities, risks, and technology transition pathways.
- Engage with Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Services, and OSW stakeholders to support investment prioritization.
- Contribute to the development of concepts of operations, requirements, and mission threads for future space missions.
- Develop and deliver high-quality briefings, technical documents, and senior-level recommendations.
- Ensure adherence to classification, disclosure, and security protocols across all activities.
Qualifications Required:
- 15 years of experience in roles involving:
- Development, assessment, or integration of advanced space systems, architectures, or mission capabilities.
- Research, planning, and execution of technical projects relevant to space missions.
- Applying innovating engineering, analytical, or scientific methodologies to space-related operational problems.
- Supporting DoW stakeholders (e.g., Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Military Services, or OSW) on capability development and technical decision-making.
- Evaluating space technologies for operational utility, effectiveness, and transition potential.
Education:
- Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Preferred: Doctoral/Terminal degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Even better if you have these desired skills:
- Experience transitioning advanced space technologies from R&D into operational use.
- Background supporting joint, service, or Combatant Command space planning or analysis.
- Understanding of space domain mission areas, architectures, and supporting ground and cross-domain systems.
- Ability to lead complex technical discussions across diverse teams, including engineers, analysts, and senior government officials.
- Experience contributing to mission engineering or architecture development processes.
- Joint/Combatant Command staff experience (highly preferred).
Clearance Requirements:
An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance (with SCI and SAP/CAP eligibility) is required.
The pay range for this position is $180,000/year to $210,000/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.
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