Senior Systems Engineer (Orbit/Orbital) ***TS/SCI Clearance***

Overview

On Site
Depends on Experience
Full Time
No Travel Required

Skills

ATLAS
Python
Sensors
SPACE
ORBIT
ORBITAL
SDA
SDS
SPADOC
ASW
SP Tasker
JMS
CAVENet
space surveillance networks
launch tracking
maneuver detection
conjunction assessment
breakup analysis
re-entry prediction
space domain awareness
space traffic coordination.

Job Details

Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer
Location: VAFB, Santa Barbara County, CA, USA
Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI
Salary: $150K-$170K / Based on Years of Experience
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

To apply, please follow these steps:

  • Visit IBSSCORP CAREER PAGE
  • Select the position you are interested in
  • Review the job details, then click Apply Now
  • Complete and submit your application


Description:
The Office of Space Commerce (OSC) is leading implementation of Space Policy Directive-3 (SPD-3) by transitioning civil and commercial space traffic coordination (STC) responsibilities from the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Department of Commerce. Central to this effort is the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS), scheduled for production release in January 2026, which will provide spaceflight safety services to global owner/operators. The Senior Systems Engineer will act as a technical and operational bridge between OSC and DoD's space domain awareness (SDA) enterprise, particularly Space Delta 2, the 18th and 19th Space Defense Squadrons, and the S.P.A.C.E. Office at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This individual will help capture operational lessons from the DoD, integrate them into TraCSS design and operations, and support OSC's role as the U.S. civil authority for spaceflight safety. The role requires deep SDA/STC expertise, orbital analysis experience, and leadership in multi-agency technical environments, ensuring TraCSS exceeds the services previously provided by DoD's Space-Track.org by delivering more frequent, higher-fidelity, and on-demand conjunction assessments.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Systems Engineering Leadership
    • Lead requirements definition, operational concept development, and transition planning for TraCSS.
    • Support agile development, testing, and operational readiness of TraCSS in alignment with OSC's roadmap.
  • DoD/OSC Integration
    • Serve as OSC's embedded representative with Space Delta 2/S.P.A.C.E. Office.
    • Translate operational best practices from DoD SDA into actionable requirements for TraCSS.
    • Oversee transition of manual data transfer protocols to automated machine-to-machine (M2M) exchanges using NDPP and Databahn.
  • Operational Knowledge Capture
    • Document and analyze the mission roles of 18SDS, 19SDS, and Space Delta 2, identifying functions essential for safe and sustainable operations.
    • Ensure TraCSS requirements cover conjunction assessment, launch collision avoidance, re-entry prediction, and integration of commercial data.
  • Advanced Analysis and Operations
    • Contribute to orbital analysis, re-entry prediction, breakup event resolution, and recovery of lost objects, in collaboration with DoD and commercial partners.
    • Support incorporation of commercial sensor networks and cloud-based data architectures into TraCSS operations.
  • Mentorship and Training
    • Provide technical mentorship to OSC and contractor staff, shaping an operational culture modeled on best practices from Space Force and industry.
    • Develop checklists, SOPs, and training aids to accelerate workforce readiness for TraCSS operations.
  • Schedule
    • This is a full-time on-site position.
    • Travel up to 20%

 


Qualifications Required

  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI.
  • Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field; minimum 12 years of relevant experience (with at least 7 in SDA/SSA/STC).
  • Technical Expertise:
    • Demonstrated hands-on experience in orbital analysis, space domain awareness, or space traffic coordination.
    • Familiarity with systems such as SPADOC, ASW, ATLAS, SP Tasker, JMS, SGSN, CAVENet, or equivalent orbital data processing tools.
    • Experience with launch tracking, maneuver detection, conjunction assessment, breakup analysis, and re-entry prediction.
  • Integration & Transition Experience: Proven ability to integrate commercial capabilities with DoD/government operations.
  • Leadership: Team leadership, training, and mentorship in high-tempo operational environments.
  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including preparing technical reports, delivering briefings, and engaging interagency partners.


Highly Desired

  • Experience at 18SDS/19SDS, Space Delta 2, or S.P.A.C.E. Office.
  • Background in commercial space surveillance networks (e.g., Slingshot SGSN, LeoLabs, ExoAnalytic).
  • Published research or conference contributions (e.g., AMOS, ASCEND, IAC) in orbital analysis, debris mitigation, or SDA.
  • Certifications or formal training as Orbital Analyst, Advanced Orbital Analyst, or Senior Orbital Analyst.
  • Demonstrated success leading cross-agency teams and developing training pipelines for orbital analysts.
  • Tools: Proficiency with Linux/Unix, Python, and data analysis tools.


About IBSS Corp.

Since 1992, IBSS, a woman-owned small business, has provided transformational consulting services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. Our services include cybersecurity and enterprise information technology, environmental science and engineering (including oceans, coasts, climate, and weather), and professional management services.

Our approach is to serve our employees by investing in their growth and development. As a result, our employees bring greater capabilities and provide exceptional service to our clients. In addition to creating career development opportunities for our employees, IBSS is passionate about giving back to the community and serving the environment. We strive to leave something better behind for the next generation.

We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our employees, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. Our tagline, Powered by Excellence, is a recognition of the employees that make up IBSS and ensures we deliver results with quality, applying industry best practices and certifications.

IBSS offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage with a company-paid deductible, paid time off, federal holidays, a matching 401K plan, tuition/professional development reimbursement, and Flex-Spending (FSA)/Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.

IBSS is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Click to see that the EEO is the law. Please direct any inquiries to the HR Department email at

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Talent Acquisition department at

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.