**Description** SAIC is seeking an Observatory Technician to join the National Security and Space Sector (NSS). You would work on a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) crown jewel program providing highly specialized space/counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services from Aurora, Colorado. We support the Nation’s leading-edge IC and DoD space programs and offer compelling, deep-technical work that has direct influence and impact on program development and operations. Our team has Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across a variety of disciplines, including engineering, physics, mathematics, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis. This Observatory Technician will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S. Government civilians and contractors solving applied technical problems and developing usable solutions for multiple space-related capabilities and threats. The primary functions for this role are to: + Operate and maintain an optical data collection site specializing in photometric measurements of space objects + Support studies and investigations in the optical characterization of the selected space objects with meter and sub-meter optical systems Duties and responsibilities include: + Install, configure, and operate optical telescope assemblies, scientific cameras, and mounts using associated sensor and mount control software + Conduct data collection operations and assist with associated data reduction and processing activities + Assist with system maintenance functions, such as alignments, calibrations, and troubleshooting + Produce configuration, test, operations, and maintenance procedures, as well as maintain data collection configuration and inventory control records + Work directly with the customers, subject matter experts, and other operators in a team environment with minimal supervision + Support and/or coordinate facility operations and maintenance activities and vendors Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI with Polygraph to remain on the program. **Qualifications** Required Skills: + Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or science fields + Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance with Special Access eligibility and successfully complete a Polygraph + US Citizenship is required + Demonstrated record of effective individual and group work behaviors, with abilities to proactively initiate and operate in dynamic and incompletely defined environments + Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience conveying technical concepts, results, and summaries to internal customers, external customers, and stakeholders of diverse technical backgrounds + Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and flexibility to adjust to changing priorities + Good working knowledge of MS Office applications and familiarity with Linux Red Hat OS + Ability to maintain a flexible night shift schedule, primarily working sunset to sunrise, dependent on weather conditions Strongly Desired Skills: + BS in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering + Active TS-SCI clearance with Poly + Familiarity with MATLAB, Python and/or other programming experience + Working knowledge of space system orbits and proficiency with Systems Tool Kit (STK) + Experience in observatory operations + Experience with the installation, operations and maintenance of meter and sub-meter telescopes Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. REQNUMBER: 2508167 SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability