Experiment Design Systems Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experiment Design Systems Engineer

Company: SAIC

Location: Chantilly, VA (Customer Site)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Systems Engineering / Government Contracting

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves providing critical Systems Engineering & Technical Advisory (SETA) support to a U.S. Government (USG) Program Office focused on Research & Development (R&D) of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms.

• The position requires extensive coordination with key stakeholders to design and execute complex experiments, particularly concerning residual spacecraft.

• A significant aspect of the role involves the collection, analysis, and validation of experimental data against defined objectives, ensuring the integrity and success of R&D initiatives.

• The engineer will be instrumental in developing and managing program acquisition packages, including Statements of Work (SOW), Justification & Approvals (J&A), and Request for Proposal (RFP) artifacts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Experiment Design Systems Engineer," the core responsibilities and the company's profile (SAIC as a mission integrator for defense and intelligence) strongly indicate this role is deeply embedded within the government contracting sector, specifically supporting Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) clients. The emphasis on AI/ML R&D, spacecraft systems, and acquisition support points towards a specialized systems engineering function within this domain, rather than a general laboratory experiment design role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Experiment Design & Execution: Coordinate with key stakeholders to meticulously design and successfully execute experiments on residual spacecraft, ensuring alignment with program objectives.

• Interface Management: Collaborate with experiment stakeholders to define and manage the necessary interfaces required for seamless experiment execution and data flow.

• Data Collection & Analysis: Support the comprehensive collection of experimental data and perform rigorous analysis to validate experiment objectives and outcomes.

• Documentation & Reporting: Clearly and concisely document all experiment results, findings, and technical assessments through comprehensive reports, presentations, and potential publications.

• Acquisition Support: Work closely with government technical and contracts staff to develop program acquisition packages, including drafting Statements of Work (SOW), Justifications & Approvals (J&A), Request for Contract Action Package (RCAP) artifacts, Request For Information (RFI), and Request For Proposal (RFP) documents.

• Analysis of Alternatives (AoA): Assist the USG Program Office in conducting analyses of alternatives to optimize technical, cost, and schedule performance considerations, thereby enhancing understanding of system, technology, and architecture tradeoffs.

• Project Lifecycle Support: Provide comprehensive technical and programmatic support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from concept development and system definition through acquisition planning, source selection, system design, development, integration and test, system delivery, and deployment.

• Systems Engineering Activities: Actively support core systems engineering functions, including robust risk management, diligent schedule management, and effective technical performance management.

• Briefings & Assessments: Prepare and deliver technical and programmatic assessments, including executive briefings and reports, presenting analysis, results, conclusions, and actionable recommendations to senior stakeholders.

• Vendor Material Assessment: Evaluate white papers and vendor marketing materials to assess potential solutions and technologies relevant to program objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of responsibilities, particularly around acquisition package development (SOW, J&A, RFI, RFP, RCAP), AoA, and full project lifecycle support, emphasizes the SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) nature of this role. It requires not just technical design but also a strong understanding of government procurement processes and program management principles within the defense and intelligence sectors.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technical discipline.

• Postgraduate degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) in a related field are highly desirable and can potentially substitute for some years of experience. Experience:

• A minimum of nine (9) years of progressive experience in Systems Engineering, particularly within the defense or intelligence sectors.

• This experience should encompass the full project lifecycle, from concept development to deployment and operations.

• Demonstrated experience in providing SETA support to USG customers is a significant advantage. Required Skills:

• Systems Engineering: Proven expertise in applying systems engineering principles and methodologies across complex projects.

• Experiment Design: Strong capability in designing, coordinating, and executing scientific and technical experiments, with a focus on spacecraft systems.

• Acquisition Support: Deep understanding and practical experience with government acquisition processes, including developing SOWs, RFIs, RFPs, and J&As.

• AI/ML Knowledge: Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms and their application in R&D contexts.

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data to validate objectives and derive meaningful insights.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Excellent ability to coordinate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government technical staff, contracts personnel, and potentially external vendors.

• Technical Documentation & Presentation: Superior technical writing skills for reports and documentation, coupled with strong presentation skills for briefings and assessments.

• Risk & Schedule Management: Experience in managing project risks and schedules within a government contracting environment.

• Security Clearance: Active Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance with a Polygraph is mandatory.

Preferred Skills:

• Spacecraft Systems: Specific experience or deep understanding of spacecraft systems and related experimentation.

• Analysis of Alternatives (AoA): Experience conducting or supporting AoA studies for complex technical systems.

• Program Management Principles: Familiarity with program management best practices relevant to DoD and IC projects.

• Vendor Assessment: Experience evaluating technical proposals, white papers, and vendor capabilities.

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to approach complex technical challenges with analytical rigor and innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree and "at least nine years of relevant experience" suggests this role is mid-to-senior level, likely requiring a solid foundation in engineering principles combined with practical application in defense/intelligence acquisition and systems engineering. The emphasis on specific acquisition artifacts (SOW, J&A, RCAP, RFI, RFP) indicates a need for candidates who have hands-on experience navigating these processes, not just theoretical knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Systems Engineering Case Studies: Demonstrable examples of applying systems engineering methodologies to solve complex technical problems, ideally within the defense or aerospace sectors.

• Experimentation Documentation: Samples or descriptions of experiment designs, data collection plans, and analysis reports that showcase your approach to scientific rigor and objective validation.

• Acquisition Package Contributions: Evidence of involvement in the development of acquisition documentation (e.g., SOWs, RFPs, RFIs), highlighting your role and the impact of your contributions.

• Technical Assessment Examples: Portfolio pieces that showcase your ability to conduct technical assessments, analyze alternatives, and present findings and recommendations clearly.

• Process Optimization Examples: Instances where you identified inefficiencies or risks in a project lifecycle and implemented process improvements or mitigation strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your ability to map out existing workflows, identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement, and design optimized processes for experiment execution, data management, or acquisition support.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Provide examples of how you have supported the implementation of new processes or technologies, or how you have leveraged automation to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you track the performance of designed processes, using metrics to evaluate effectiveness, identify deviations, and inform iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the SETA nature and government contracting environment, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of systems engineering, acquisition support, and experiment design within complex R&D projects is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their specific contributions, the methodologies used, and the measurable outcomes achieved in their past roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education relevant to systems engineering, AI/ML, and government contracting.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses may be offered.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• While on-site, there may be occasional requirements for extended hours or work outside of standard business hours to support critical experiment phases or program deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $120,000 - $160,000 is consistent with the experience level (5-10 years), the specialized nature of the role (Systems Engineering, AI/ML, Government Contracting), and the location (Chantilly, VA, a high-cost-of-living area with a strong presence of defense and intelligence contractors). This range reflects the demand for skilled engineers with active TS/SCI clearances and polygraphs in this sector. Benefits are typical for large government contractors like SAIC.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense, Space, Intelligence, and Civilian markets, with a strong focus on technology integration and mission support for government customers. SAIC positions itself as a "premier mission integrator."

Company Size: Approximately 23,000 employees. This signifies a large, established organization with extensive resources, established processes, and opportunities for internal mobility.

Founded: SAIC was founded in 1969, indicating a long history and deep experience in providing technical and program services to the US government.

Team Structure:

• Operations Support Focus: The role is part of a SETA team supporting a specific USG Program Office. This implies a close-knit, collaborative unit working directly with government counterparts.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will collaborate with government technical experts, contracting officers, potentially other SETA contractors, and various stakeholders involved in R&D, acquisition, and experiment execution.

• Reporting: The engineer will report to a government lead within the Program Office, with functional oversight likely from SAIC management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on collecting and analyzing data to inform decisions regarding experiment design, technical performance, and acquisition strategies.

• Systems Engineering Rigor: Application of structured systems engineering processes for planning, design, development, and integration.

• Agile R&D Support: While not explicitly stated, the R&D focus suggests an environment that may incorporate agile principles for rapid prototyping and iterative development.

• Compliance & Security: Strict adherence to government security protocols and acquisition regulations is paramount.

Company Website: http://www.saic.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: SAIC's positioning as a "mission integrator" suggests a culture focused on delivering critical solutions and ensuring mission success for their government clients. The large company size offers stability and resources, while the SETA role implies a dynamic, client-facing environment where direct impact is visible.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced Systems Engineer with SETA responsibilities. It's beyond an entry-level or junior engineer position, requiring a solid foundation in engineering principles and practical experience in government contracting environments. The "5-10 years" experience range suggests a mid-level to senior individual contributor role.

Reporting Structure: You will be working directly within a USG Program Office, reporting to government technical leads and program managers. This offers direct exposure to government decision-making processes and high-level program strategy. Functional reporting will likely be to a SAIC program manager or team lead.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the advancement of critical AI/ML technologies for national security. By supporting the design and execution of experiments and contributing to acquisition strategies, you will help shape the development and deployment of cutting-edge capabilities for USG Intelligence Community and Department of Defense customers. Your work directly influences program direction, technology selection, and ultimately, mission effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI/ML algorithms, spacecraft systems, or specific areas of systems engineering through project work and potential training.

• Acquisition & Program Management: Develop advanced skills in government acquisition, contract management, and program management through direct involvement in these processes.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead technical efforts within the SETA team, mentor junior engineers, or take on more responsibility in program planning and execution.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across various government agencies and with different types of technical challenges.

• Career Progression within SAIC: Potential to move into senior engineering roles, program management positions, or specialized technical consulting roles within SAIC's broader portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The SETA structure within a government program office provides a unique career path. Growth is often tied to the success of the programs supported and the ability to gain trust and demonstrate value to the government client. Specialization in high-demand areas like AI/ML and secure government systems can lead to significant career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at a "Customer Site" in Chantilly, VA. This typically means working within government facilities or secure contractor facilities, which often have specific security protocols and a professional, focused atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Chantilly, VA (Customer Site), 20151. This location is within the Northern Virginia technology corridor, a hub for government contractors, defense, and intelligence agencies, offering proximity to many related organizations and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Secure Environment: Expect a secure work environment with strict access controls and adherence to security regulations appropriate for TS/SCI cleared personnel.

• Collaborative Setting: While focused on individual technical contributions, the role requires significant collaboration with government personnel and potentially other contractors, suggesting a team-oriented workspace.

• Technology & Tools: Access to government-approved IT systems, software, and potentially specialized engineering tools necessary for systems engineering, data analysis, and experiment design.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of government R&D programs and experiment execution, there may be times when flexibility is required, potentially involving extended hours or work outside standard business hours to meet critical deadlines or support specific experiment phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on a government customer site often means adhering to specific site rules, security procedures, and potentially a more structured work environment than a typical corporate office. This setup, however, provides direct immersion in the client's operations and mission.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications, focusing on systems engineering experience, acquisition support, and required security clearances.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions covering your systems engineering approach, experience with experiment design (especially spacecraft-related), familiarity with AI/ML concepts, and understanding of government acquisition processes. Behavioral questions assessing your problem-solving skills, stakeholder management, and ability to work in a SETA role will also be included.

• Security Vetting: Confirmation of your active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is a mandatory prerequisite.

• Potential Site Visit/Team Integration: For finalist candidates, there might be an opportunity to visit the customer site or meet key government stakeholders to assess cultural fit and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or responsibility in your portfolio, clearly articulate the problem, your specific actions, the systems engineering or acquisition methodologies used, and the quantifiable results or impact achieved.

• Highlight SETA Experience: Emphasize instances where you provided technical advice and support to government clients, demonstrating your ability to influence decisions and drive program success.

• Showcase Acquisition Knowledge: Include examples of your contributions to SOWs, RFPs, RFIs, or other acquisition documentation, detailing your role and the challenges overcome.

• Demonstrate Experiment Design Rigor: Present clear examples of experiment designs, data analysis methodologies, and how you translated findings into actionable recommendations.

• Tailor to the Role: Focus on showcasing experience most relevant to AI/ML R&D, spacecraft systems, and government program support.

Challenge Preparation:

• Systems Engineering Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common systems engineering challenges, such as requirements management, risk assessment, or trade-off analysis for a complex R&D project.

• Acquisition Process Questions: Anticipate questions about specific steps in the government acquisition lifecycle, your experience with different contract types, or how you would support source selection.

• AI/ML Application Discussion: Be ready to discuss potential applications of AI/ML in the context of spacecraft systems or intelligence analysis, and how systems engineering principles apply to their development and integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance means that the initial screening will heavily prioritize candidates who meet this strict requirement. The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing not only technical competence but also the ability to operate effectively within a sensitive government environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Systems Engineering Software: Tools like DOORS, Cameo Systems Modeler, or similar requirements management and MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) platforms.

• Project Management Tools: Microsoft Project, Jira, or similar for schedule management and task tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or government-specific secure communication platforms for team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency with tools like MATLAB, Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), R, or similar for data analysis and statistical modeling.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data manipulation and basic analysis.

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint for creating technical briefings and reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how data flows from various systems into program management and reporting tools is beneficial.

• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automating data collection or analysis tasks can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of systems engineering and SETA support in the defense/intelligence sector implies a reliance on industry-standard SE tools, robust data analysis capabilities, and secure communication platforms. Proficiency in scripting for automation is a strong plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A primary value is dedication to the success of the government's mission, understanding that the technologies developed have critical national security implications.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest standards of integrity and trustworthiness, essential for working with classified information and sensitive government programs.

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to rigorous engineering practices, data-driven analysis, and continuous learning to ensure the highest quality technical solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing strong partnerships with government clients and fellow team members to achieve shared objectives.

• Security Consciousness: Maintaining a constant awareness of and adherence to security protocols and best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric: The SETA role necessitates a highly collaborative and responsive approach, working directly alongside government personnel to understand their needs and provide expert guidance.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless integration with various government stakeholders (technical, program management, contracting) and potentially other contractor teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, concise, and timely communication, especially when dealing with technical complexities, risks, or critical findings.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports sharing insights, lessons learned, and best practices to improve program outcomes and foster professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at SAIC, especially within a SETA role supporting government clients, is likely to be professional, mission-oriented, and highly focused on security and integrity. Collaboration is key, but it's framed within the context of serving the government's strategic objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Acquisition Processes: The complexity and bureaucracy of USG acquisition can be challenging; understanding and effectively navigating these processes is key.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying current with advancements in AI/ML and related technologies, while ensuring their secure and effective integration into existing systems.

• Balancing Technical Depth with Programmatic Needs: Effectively translating complex technical concepts and experiment results into actionable insights for program managers and acquisition specialists.

• Security Requirements: Maintaining strict adherence to security protocols and managing sensitive information requires constant vigilance.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring alignment and managing expectations across diverse government stakeholders with potentially differing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training programs focused on advanced AI/ML techniques, spacecraft systems engineering, specific government acquisition policies (e.g., DoD 5000 series), and advanced systems engineering methodologies.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant industry conferences (e.g., space, AI, defense technology) and pursue professional certifications (e.g., INCOSE, PMP, specific security certifications).

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior engineers and program managers within SAIC and the government client organization.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge R&D: Direct involvement in the development and testing of next-generation technologies for critical national security applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are inherent to working on high-stakes government R&D programs. Overcoming them requires strong technical acumen, excellent communication, and a commitment to continuous learning. The growth opportunities are significant for those who excel in this demanding yet rewarding environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Systems Engineering Approach: "Describe your process for defining and managing requirements for a complex R&D system, particularly one involving AI/ML components." (Prepare to discuss requirements traceability, validation, and verification.)

• Acquisition Lifecycle: "Walk me through your experience supporting the development of a government acquisition package. What was your specific role in creating an SOW or RFP, and what challenges did you face?" (Focus on concrete examples and your contribution.)

• Experiment Design & Analysis: "How would you design an experiment to test the efficacy of a new AI algorithm for object recognition on residual spacecraft imagery? What metrics would you track, and how would you analyze the results?" (Demonstrate structured thinking and understanding of experimental design principles.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• SAIC's Role: "What do you understand about SAIC's role as a mission integrator, and how does your experience align with supporting government clients in the defense and intelligence sectors?" (Research SAIC's mission and values.)

• SETA Environment: "Describe a time you had to provide technical guidance to a government client. How did you build trust and ensure your recommendations were well-received and acted upon?" (Highlight your ability to influence and advise.)

• Problem Solving: "Tell me about a complex technical problem you encountered in a previous project. How did you approach it, what was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: When presenting portfolio items, clearly articulate the "so what?" - the impact of your work on the project, program, or mission. Use metrics wherever possible.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each key project or responsibility, use a clear structure: Problem/Objective -> Your Role/Actions -> Methodologies/Tools Used -> Results/Outcomes -> Lessons Learned.

• Highlight Acquisition Expertise: Be ready to discuss specific acquisition documents you've contributed to and the challenges involved in their creation and approval.

• Demonstrate AI/ML Relevance: If possible, showcase projects or knowledge related to AI/ML, even if it's theoretical application or research.

• Security Clearance Assurance: Be prepared to confirm your active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance early in the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your ability to demonstrate practical experience in government acquisition and systems engineering, alongside your technical understanding of AI/ML and spacecraft systems. Your portfolio should serve as tangible evidence of these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experiment Design Systems Engineer position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to formally submit your resume and any required supplemental information through the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume explicitly highlights your experience in Systems Engineering, Experiment Design, Acquisition Support (mentioning specific artifacts like SOW, RFP, RFI), AI/ML, and any experience with spacecraft systems. Quantify your achievements with data and metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile examples of your work that demonstrate your skills in experiment design, data analysis, technical reporting, and acquisition package development. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Confirm Security Clearance: Be prepared to immediately confirm your active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph during the application or initial screening process.

• Research SAIC & the Role: Understand SAIC's mission, values, and its role in the defense/intelligence sector. Research the specific challenges and technologies mentioned in the job description to articulate your understanding and interest.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common systems engineering, acquisition, and behavioral interview questions, using the STAR method and incorporating specific examples from your experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.