Exercise Systems Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Intelligence Programs Group (IPG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community. We utilize mission-proven, data-driven advisory tools and capabilities. We provide highly technical support to ensure the government acquires cutting edge technology necessary for our National Defense. Our portfolio includes the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Come where you will be part of our high-caliber team!

SPA has an immediate need for an Exercise Systems Engineer.

SPA is looking for an Exercise Systems Engineer with Space Domain experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office. This position is responsible for designing, planning, coordinating, and executing operational test campaigns and exercises to assess, validate, and demonstrate on-orbit system capabilities in support of mission objectives. This role serves as a critical bridge between engineering, operations, and mission partners to ensure space and intelligence systems are rigorously evaluated under realistic operational conditions.

The successful candidate will lead the development of exercise concepts, test objectives, execution plans, and performance assessments while collaborating across the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and international partner organizations. This individual must possess strong systems engineering expertise, operational planning experience, and the ability to identify innovative testing approaches that improve schedule efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate capability validation.

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at date of application
  • Please discuss specific polygraph requirements with an SPA Talent Acquisition professional
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Operations Research, or a related technical discipline
• 9+ years of experience supporting systems engineering, operational testing, military exercises, mission operations, or space system development programs
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing operational tests, exercises, demonstrations, or capability assessments
• Experience developing test objectives, operational scenarios, performance metrics, and validation methodologies
• Experience collaborating with DoD organizations, Intelligence Community agencies, and multi-organizational mission partners
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop creative solutions to complex operational challenges
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and coordinate activities across geographically dispersed organizations
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively to CONUS and OCONUS locations
• Ability to report to designated work location in Chantilly, VA on a full time basis

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting National Security Space, ISR, GEOINT, SATCOM, or other space-based mission programs
• Familiarity with Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) processes and military exercise planning frameworks
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools used for mission planning, system performance assessment, and capability validation