Communications Systems Engineer / Designated Authorizing Official (DAO) Representative

Communications Systems Engineer / Designated Authorizing Official (DAO) Representative

Job ID: 2617209

Location: Chantilly, VA, United States

Date Posted: Oct 20, 2026

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 25% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Poly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: On-Site

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Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking an experienced Communications Systems Engineer to serve as a Designated Authorizing Official (DAO) Representative providing onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support to an SAIC prime program at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA. This role supports multiple NRO satellite systems-both on‑orbit and in development-and focuses on communications, network, and cryptographic systems acquisition and security authorization activities that enable critical national space missions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support the System Program Office (SPO) in planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of communications, network, and crypto acquisitions across multiple satellite programs.

• Lead and coordinate day‑to‑day risk management and security authorization activities for information systems; help accelerate PCRs, ATOs, and RMF actions.

• Develop and deliver technical documents, status reports, and briefings to Government and industry stakeholders.

• Support Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives (COTRs) by coordinating with acquisition SMEs and program stakeholders to develop, modify, and maintain contract documentation.

• Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables for technical content, accuracy, and sufficiency against program requirements and objectives.

• Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers, COTRs, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and drive program success.

• Travel domestically up to once per month to support reviews, meetings, and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications

• 13 years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline and 9+ years of relevant experience; OR

• Master's degree in a related field and 7+ years of relevant experience; OR

• PhD or JD and 4+ years of relevant experience.

• Experience supporting communications, network, and/or cryptographic systems for space, satellite, or other complex mission systems, including how such systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested.

• Demonstrated experience with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and information security policies and standards, including support to security authorization/ATO processes.

• Familiarity with NRO organization, processes, and satellite systems.

• Ability to travel domestically as required (approximately once per month).

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph.

• Must be eligible for and maintain required security clearance and polygraph for the duration of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience serving as, or directly supporting, a Designated Authorizing Official (DAO)/Authorizing Official Representative (AOR) or equivalent security authorization role within the IC or DoD.

• Direct SETA or FFRDC experience supporting NRO, NGA, NSA, or other Intelligence Community space programs.

• Hands‑on experience with satellite communications architectures, space/ground interfaces, and secure networks.

• Experience with CDRLs, acquisition documentation, and working closely with COTRs and program managers on major ACAT or IC equivalent programs.

• Strong briefing and technical writing skills with the ability to communicate complex technical and risk topics to senior Government stakeholders.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work on site in an office environment at Government and SAIC facilities in Chantilly, VA.

• Ability to use standard office equipment (e.g., computers, phones, printers) and participate in meetings, briefings, and technical reviews.

• Ability to travel by air and ground transportation for domestic trips (up to once per month).

2026.10.2

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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