FTI Defense is seeking a highly skilled Ground Systems Engineering Lead to join our dynamic team. This role is critical in supporting our space missions through the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of ground-based infrastructure and systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working with Space/Ground Systems across the Department of Defense (DoD) Space domain. This work will primarily be performed in Colorado Springs, CO, with travel to integration sites as required.   

Responsibilities:

• System Design and Development: Lead the development and deployment of virtualized ground systems including satellite communication networks, data processing systems, and command and control systems. 

• Integration and Testing: Integrate various subsystems to ensure seamless operation. Conduct rigorous testing to ensure the reliability and performance of ground systems. 

• Mission Support: Provide real-time support during space missions, including risk reduction tests, factory compatibility tests, launch based compatibility tests, and on orbit checkout.  Monitor and control satellite systems from the ground station. 

• Data Management: Manage the flow of data between satellites and ground systems. Ensure the integrity, security, and timely delivery of mission-critical data. 

• Maintenance and Upgrades: Perform regular maintenance on ground systems to ensure continuous operation. Upgrade systems to incorporate new technologies or enhance performance. 

• Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution: Identify and resolve issues that arise during mission operations. Develop contingency plans to handle unexpected events or failures. Interacts with various engineering review boards and configuration boards to support the product. 

• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with other engineers, scientists, and mission planners. Coordinate with space agencies, commercial entities, and other stakeholders. 

• Compliance and Standards: Ensure ground systems comply with relevant standards and regulations. Implement best practices for system design, cybersecurity, and operational procedures.  and standards such as CCSDS and GMSEC messaging. 

• Interacts with vendors such as Program Office, and satellite mission offices and vendors. 

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Effective Leadership:
  • Vision and Strategy: Clearly articulate the team’s vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals.
  • Decision-Making: Make informed and timely decisions, considering the impact on the team and the organization.
  • Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve conflicts within the team promptly and fairly.
  • Empowerment: Empower team members by delegating responsibilities and encouraging autonomy.
  • Anticipate and Balance Needs: Anticipate and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders which may span across one or more customers, leaders, and organizations both internally and externally.
  • Mitigate Risk:  Identify, communicate, and mitigate risks to teamwork execution (personnel, technical, organizational). This includes ensuring tasks assigned align with individuals' skill sets to set them and the deliverables up for success.
  • Build High Performing Teams: Build high performing teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve customer goals.
• Employee Intimacy:
  • Build Strong Relationships: Develop and maintain strong, trusting relationships with team members.
  • Understand Individual Motivations: Take the time to understand each team member's motivations, strengths, and areas for improvement.
  • Personal Engagement: Show genuine interest in team members' well-being, both professionally and personally.
  • Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements regularly.
• Coaching Through Change:
  • Lead by Example: Demonstrate adaptability and a positive attitude toward change, setting a tone for the team.
  • Provide Resources and Training: Offer necessary resources and training to help team members adapt to new processes, technologies, or organizational changes.
  • Support Emotional Well-being: Recognize and address the emotional impact of change on team members, offering support and understanding while promoting the business decision. 
  • Communicate Vision: Clearly communicate and champion the reasons for change, the benefits, and how it aligns with the organization's goals.
• Intentional Mentoring:
  • Identify Development Opportunities: Proactively identify and provide opportunities for team members' professional and personal growth.
  • Set Mentoring Goals: Establish specific mentoring goals and create a plan to achieve them.
  • Regular Mentoring Sessions: Schedule and conduct regular mentoring sessions to guide, support, and develop team members.
  • Model Desired Behaviors: Demonstrate the behaviors and skills you want to cultivate in your team.
• Managing, Tracking, and Measuring Performance for Accountability:
  • Set SMART Goals and Clear Expectations: Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for team members. Define clear, measurable goals for the team, ensuring each member understands their individual responsibilities and how these goals align with and impact company objectives.
  • Performance Check-ins and Reviews: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to assess progress, provide feedback, coaching and address any issues. Use these opportunities to set action plans for proactive improvement and development. Performance evaluation responsibility for direct reports during mid and end of fiscal year.
  • Performance Metrics: Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics to objectively measure and track performance.
  • Transparent Communication: Maintain open lines of communication, holding yourself and your team accountable for actions and results. Ensure that expectations and feedback are clearly communicated.
  • Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying areas for development, providing necessary support and training, and encouraging proactive growth and learning.
• Approving Time Sheets:
  • Timely Approval: Ensure timely and accurate approval of time sheets to comply with company policies and payroll deadlines.
  • Accuracy Verification: Verify the accuracy of reported hours, addressing discrepancies promptly.
  • Compliance: Ensure that time sheet submissions comply with labor laws and company policies.
  • Feedback on Patterns: Provide feedback on attendance patterns and discuss any issues related to time management with team members.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess an active Top Secret (TS) security clearance (with SCI and SAP eligibility). 
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field of study (Master's degree preferred).
• 10+ years’ experience with system design, development, integration, and testing, working with Space/Ground Systems within the DoD Space domain. 
• Proficient in managing data flow, system maintenance, and upgrades. 
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of engineers and mission planners. 
• Knowledge of relevant standards and regulations in the space and defense industry. 
• Excellent client-facing and consulting skills.   
• Experience with Flight Dynamics, Orbital Planning, Mission Managment, Telemetry and Commanding, Ground Control, data management and other traditional ground systems components. 

For this role, the compensation range for candidates in Colorado is ($106K-$177K)*. 

*Note: Starting pay will be based on a number of factors and commensurate with qualifications & experience. FTI has a location-based compensation structure; there may be a different range for candidates in other locations. 

#LI-Onsite

#LI-KC1