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Lead Engineer


Job Location:

Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 91870 - 91870
Posted: 6 October 2026 (12 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary


Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Mission Delta 8 (MD8) 8th Sustainment Squadron (8STS) at Peterson Space Force Base Colorado is searching for a Lead Engineer (NHGS 12/13 equivalent).

Description:
Serving as the principal technical authority and engineering decision maker for the U.S. Space Forces MILSATCOM 8th Sustainment Squadron you will direct the technical execution operational architecture and configuration baseline management for multi-billion dollar satellite communications networks-including AEHF Milstar EPS WGS GBS DSCS and CCS-C. Operating with significant autonomy you will lead the integration of advanced software hardware and cybersecurity solutions while enforcing rigorous engineering standards to govern long-term systems architecture and guarantee continuous Operational Safety Suitability and Effectiveness (OSS&E). In this critical role you will collaborate daily with multidisciplinary teams defense agencies and international partners to drive lifecycle sustainment steer Satellite Anomaly Response Teams during critical operations and deliver resilient capabilities that defend the joint warfighters high-frontier operations. Furthermore you will partner closely with the Chief Engineer and Program Managers to resolve system deficiencies lead technical evaluations for high-impact acquisition proposals and apply advanced electronics engineering principles to mentor junior personnel from concept through mission execution.

The ideal candidate is a proven engineering leader with a distinguished track record of directing complex high-value satellite ground terminal or command and control (C2) systems throughout their operational lifecycle particularly within no-fail military or commercial space environments. This role requires an analytical problem solver with advanced diagnostic and risk-management skills to resolve complex hardware and software anomalies backed by a bachelors degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution and a preferred Defense Acquisition Workforce Foundational (or higher) Certification in Engineering and Technical Management. To succeed in this Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) and DAWIA-covered position the candidate must possess exceptional communication skills to align cross-functional teams federal stakeholders Department of War agencies and international partners. Additionally the selected professional must be a U.S. citizen capable of working flexible hours passing pre-employment and random drug screenings filing annual OGE-450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Reports and holding or rapidly obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.

Key Skills and Abilities:

  1. Knowledge of professional electronics engineering concepts principles practices standards methods techniques materials and equipment to effectively apply advanced engineering theories principles and concepts to project development execution and advisory services.
  2. Knowledge of development testing and evaluation sufficient to apply experimental theories and new applications to issues and provide technical advice and direction in support of weapon systems subsystems and/or support equipment.
  3. Knowledge of integrated air-vehicles ground systems and support equipment sufficient to plan design test troubleshoot evaluate and oversee the development and/or sustainment of electronic systems or devices.
  4. Knowledge of systems engineering practices and procedures as they pertain to sustainment modification logistics and production management principles concepts policies and systems; standard acquisition regulations practices and procedures; and of other engineering disciplines.
  5. Ability to devise and evaluate criteria parameters characteristics and interrelationships for design approaches and to assess the impact of new technology on current systems and processes.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing clearly concisely with technical accuracy and to use computers and a variety of software programs and databases gather and analyze a variety of program information make sound judgments concerning program progress and effectively communicate recommendations orally and in writing to higher organizational management and contractors.

Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access.
  • This position has been designated for drug testing. Incumbent is subject to random urinalysis testing as a condition of employment.
  • Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
  • Employee may work extended/other than normal duty hours (evenings/weekends/recall). Incumbent may be required to report to work during base exercises/contingencies/emergency situations and overtime/comp time/credit hours may be required.
  • A professional engineering degree at the bachelors level from an ABET accredited institution is required.
  • Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually thereafter file an OGE-450 Confidential Disclosure Report.
  • This position is designated a non-critical APDP position.
  • Eligible for situational telework only including Emergency and OPM prescribed Unscheduled Telework.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 20 days per year.
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • PCS is not authorized. Incentive is not authorized.
  • This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications whichever comes first.
Qualifications

The 0855 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed addition to the above requirements you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016 who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


Required Experience:

Senior IC