Aerospace Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Aerospace Systems Engineering Team (ASET), supports all aspects of planning, developing, and executing programs within the program office consisting of military, Aerospace, and SETA personnel. Our team is seeking a Systems Engineer who will work on site, supporting the government program office, where you will have frequent interaction with the government and support contractors. This opportunity will also collaborate with a broad range of National Security Space mission partners that are building and integrating capabilities. This position allows for the opportunity to see the entire program’s life cycle and have your contributions realized in the near future.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Albuquerque, NM or Kirtland AFB.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing system acquisition, architecting, and engineering expertise in the national security domains.
• Working with the customer and contractor teams on enterprise requirements development, mission design and test planning
• Work closely with members of a diverse team of military, government civilians, prime contractors, SE&I contractors, FFRDCs, and National Laboratories. 
• Participating in studies such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments across program lifecycles.
• Understand and ensure implementation of requirements for ground system design, mission concept of operations, prototype and test, initial flight checkout, flight operations, and operational transition support
• Participating in systems studies and analyses that support technical, programmatic, and organizational decision-making on a variety of projects
• Integrate and leverage all aspects/functions/capability of the Aerospace Corporation in executing the mission portfolio through virtual teaming, backplane engagement, ETG matrix, etc.
• Collaborate and guide technical teams to ensure that program office and Aerospace Engineering Matrix staff are effectively teamed to work closely with the customer
• Developing innovative capabilities and solutions that support our nation’s space, launch, ground, and operations capabilities.
• Identifying exciting opportunities for adopting new technologies to solve existing needs and predicting future challenges
• Develop positive, lasting working relations with customer management and all levels of customer/contractor staff

• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Member of Technical Staff - Enterprise Systems Engineering:

• Bachelors of Science in a STEM-related or technical field is required
• 5 or more years of progressively responsible professional experience working across government programs
• Space system technical background and program experience.
• Experience in systems engineering across the mission lifecycle of space systems
• Ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and establish and maintain trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders
• Experience tailoring systems engineering experience for space systems development
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information  
• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically) approximately once a month (as required)
• This position will require a current and active TS/SCI and/or Q security clearance, with the ability to obtain additional security accesses, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Project Engineer - Enterprise Systems Engineering include:

• 8 or more years of progressively responsible professional experience working across government programs
• Strong Space system technical background and program experience
• Supporting and leading systems engineering across the mission lifecycle of space systems
• Experience leading teams working collaboratively in multi-disciplinary areas and establishing and maintaining trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders

How You Can Stand Out

• Master’s or advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• Knowledge of Space Force acquisitions and experience interfacing with USAF/USSF/SAF leadership
• Background in program office and management activities; experience directing matrixed technical support teams.
• Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products
• Exposure to multiple mission domains such as ground systems, launch or on-orbit systems
• Working knowledge of expertise from across the Aerospace corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations with the ability to support customer needs

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$100,300.00 - $175,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.