Job Information
The MITRE Corporation Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Project Leader in McLean, Virginia
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Department Summary:
The N112 Space Domain Awareness (SDA) & Protection Department enables actionable warfighter decisions through battlespace awareness and reduced F2T2EA timelines achieved by improving sensing and protection. The team works as trusted advisors with government sponsors across space warfighting, acquisition, and other mission partners to architect system integration efforts to successfully incorporate new technologies and software applications in support of a resilient space enterprise infrastructure, sensing, and an integrated C2 system.
Additionally, N112 performs numerous sensing experiments and prototyping activities including class-leading modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities designed to enable MITRE and sponsor-driven analysis and research in all space mission domains across multiple customers, missions, and technology providers. The research, development, and outcomes of these efforts provide high-quality, comprehensive, quantitative insights for senior government decision makers shaping the future of our nation’s Space policy, operations, and systems.
Roles & Responsibilities:
The Space Warfighting Division has an immediate need for a Space Domain Awareness Project Leader (PL) supporting Space Systems Command’s SDA Acquisition Delta (SSC/SZG) and is a high priority project in the Air & Space Force Center’s Portfolio. This approximately 17 STE project will begin execution in FY25 due to splitting the SDA & Combat Power super project into separate efforts. This SDA project will focus on ground-based radar and optical sensor systems, SDA enterprise modernization, and continuing to pivot the SDA mission as SDA underpins all actions in, to, and through space improving the overall strength of the Joint Force. Key functions include:
Providing strategic and technical leadership as a trusted advisor to SSC/SZG growing and strengthening sponsor engagement and enhancing MITRE’s role proactively shaping programs to achieve operational mission objectives
Work closely with the Combat Power PL together supporting the SDA and Combat Power Program Executive Office (SSC/SZ), Space Warfighting division leadership, and other division and department project leaders to develop overall project strategy
Workshaping – proactively develop and define tasks and project outcomes in alignment with NSEC Space Warfighting outcomes; align project work to identify and address the toughest current and future challenges sponsors face; supporting enterprise/corporate-level initiatives
Innovation - oversee identification, development, and alignment of internal MITRE research and development efforts and objectives (e.g., MIP, capstone, Firefly) to project efforts; deliver novel solutions and out-of-the-box thinking to solve sponsor problems bring MITRE to bear to address sponsor problems
MITRE backplane – proactively seek opportunities to bring MITRE to bear and execute on collaboration opportunities to increase impact across MITRE projects, share products to maximize the impact of work done in support of SDA, and bring back work from across the company to accelerate project objectives
Product quality control – conduct in-progress task and analysis reviews, peer reviews, technical quality reviews with chief engineers, product distribution, program execution reviews, etc.
Sponsor interaction – regularly engage with sponsor senior leadership, division leadership, branch chiefs, and individual government personnel
Stakeholder coordination – Coordinate across the Space Warfighting division to achieve outcomes benefiting SSC/SZ and the SDA enterprise as a whole
Project administration – Clarity, financial reporting tools, project pages, meeting coordination, status reports, future MITRE support requests, project work statements, facility management, etc.
Staff management – assist with staff hiring and onboarding; handle/process requests for badge, network, and lab access, visit requests, tool integration, etc.
Staff development – partner with department leadership mentoring to build future leaders and stronger technical staff
Culture development – foster and demonstrate a strong and positive culture built upon MITRE’s cultural attributes of speed, risk-taking, adaptability, collaboration, grace and respect, while maintaining an inclusive working environment for all
Basic Qualifications:
Demonstrated ability in at least one technology or mission area relevant to the SDA work program (ground-based radar/optical systems, MBSE, C2 missions), leadership, system development, enterprise/systems engineering and architecture development of sophisticated systems
Expertise in performing concept development, strategic planning, requirements development, market research, technology feasibility and evolution studies, and acquisition support
Proven ability to develop a trusted advisor relationship with a DoD/government sponsor
Shown success in working across organizational boundaries to deliver results
Demonstrated management of technical tasks and large engineering teams
Effective organizational skills and discipline to keep the project well-scoped and the team driven to accomplish specific objectives
Exceptional communications, collaboration, and leadership skills collaboration
Top Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
A minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 8 years and a Master’s degree’ or PhD with 5 years’ experience; BS, MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or similar field
This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site
Preferred Qualifications:
Domain knowledge of the Space Battle Management Command, Control and Communications (BMC3) Enterprise
Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated experience leading geographically separated teams with the diverse background and skills
Significant experience as a technical or program manager, experience supporting acquisition programs
Ability to quickly respond to changing program and political environment while keeping strategic focus intact
Experience building or using digital engineering methods, conducting analysis, and providing recommendations to support planning and decision-making
Serve as a mentor and foster a culture of technical creativity and mission impact, including but not limited to collaborating across MITRE to provide cross-cutting and impactful solutions
Technical publication establishing MITRE credibility and attracting sponsor and/or industry interest and collaboration
An active TS//SCI clearance is desirable, the ability to acquire and hold one is required
This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Top Secret
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI
Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$155,500 - $194,500 - $233,500 Annual
Work Location Type:
Hybrid
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