Digital 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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED), part of SED, is charged with helping our customers successfully adopt, integrate, and utilize digital system models, methods, tools, and best practices as part of their systems realization lifecycle processes through DE and MBSE research & development, prototyping, studies, independent assessments, training, and advisory functions.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Member of the Technical Staff with a focus on Digital & Systems Engineering. The ideal candidate for this position will work as part of a team to research, identify, and implement DE and MBSE approaches for new and existing space and defense systems and advise internal Aerospace and external government customers on the effective use of DE and MBSE methodologies, tools, and practices to achieve their desired system realization and optimization outcomes.  

Work Model:   

This is a full-time, 100% onsite position located in Chantilly, VA. 

What You'll Be Doing 

• Develop and analyze digital system engineering models of various types at different levels of fidelity using a range of modeling languages, methods, and tools to support programs that acquire, operate, and manage complex space, ground, launch, air defense, and nuclear security systems.
• Develop DSE model patterns, libraries, and templates for reuse across programs.
• Build and curate digital system models that Aerospace ETG and program offices use to support concept design studies, and performance, reliability, resiliency, portfolio, and cost analysis.
• Infuse digital systems modeling practices into Aerospace internal R&D and digital transformation programs.
• Assist with advising government customers on adopting and integrating DSE concepts and applications into their systems engineering lifecycle activities.
• Collaborate with other professionals on DSE topics of interest, lessons learned, and best practices across Aerospace internal communities of interest (MBE COI, NMUG) and professional societies (INCOSE, AIAA, IEEE, etc.) through authoring papers and presentations and working group participation. 

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or other relevant technical discipline.
• 2 years or more of relevant work experience
• Some practical work experience in modeling space, ground, or launch systems at the conceptual, functional, logical, or physical levels of abstraction.
• Knowledge of space, ground, launch, missile, command and control, or other space-based systems.
• Some experience with one or more DSE modeling languages and tools:
  • Language such as SysML, UAFML. RAAML, or UML
  • Tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, Sparx EA, MATLAB System Composer, Rhapsody, Teamwork Cloud, Cameo Simulation Toolkit, Cameo Collaborator. ANSYS ModelCenter, or OpenMBEE
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Possess good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing program office sponsor and customer needs.
• Problem-solving, analytical, and innovation mindset.
• This position requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in relevant engineering or other technical discipline.
• Experience MBSE methodologies such as MagicGrid, OOSEM, or SysMOD.
• Experience with scripting or programming languages such as python, groovy, Java, C++.
• Knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle activities, including concept development, requirements definition, architecture, engineering design and analysis, and integration, verification and validation.
• Familiarity with Digital Engineering concepts (e.g., Digital Ecosystem, Digital Thread, and Digital Twin) and tools such as Syndeia, Teamcenter, Windchill, CREO, or Solidworks.
• Knowledge of graph theory and some hands-on experience with graph databases, analysis, and visualization tools such as Neo4j, Gephi, or NodeXL.
• Familiarity with ontology or semantic modeling concepts such as RDF, OWL, and SKOS, and tools such as protégé
• Familiarity with concurrent engineering methods and tools.
• OMG SysML or INCOSE ASEP certification.

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)

$86,600.00 - $129,800.00

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.