Electromagnetic Warfare 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.

As the Electromagnetic Warfare Systems Engineer, you will provide systems engineering expertise for the United States Space Force (USSF) Combat Forces Command (CFC) Mission Delta 3 (MD3) 3rd Sustainment Squadron (3STS). MD3 is the USSF’s space electromagnetic warfare (EW) mission delta. You’ll support Mission Delta 3 in operational activities as well as define, acquire, verify, field, integrate, maintain, and refine USSF space EW warfighting capabilities while being cognizant of cost, schedule, technical performance, and risks. You’ll work with space EW systems such as the Counter Communications System (CCS), the Space Electromagnetic Warfare Operating Location (SEWOL), the Remote Modular Terminals (RMTs), and Bounty Hunter. As part of the space EW community, you’ll provide work to support operational activities and influence future capability needs while building critical warfighting capability for the USSF.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at either of our facilities based in Colorado Springs, CO, or El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Shape the future of space electromagnetic warfare (SEW) by guiding technical and acquisition activities that directly impact Mission Delta 3 operational capabilities.
• Perform systems analysis and engineering assessments to identify and resolve critical risks, issues, and gaps (RIGs) across space and ground architectures.
• Apply innovative systems engineering approaches to evaluate mission requirements, capability needs, program office deliverables, and acquisition execution.
• Develop processes to enable successful dynamic sustainment of SEW assets.
• Work across program, mission, and stakeholder boundaries to champion enterprise perspectives in Aerospace assessments on program roadmaps, acquisition strategies, vendor proposals, and technical artifacts.
• Author technical guidance and deliver system assessments, drawing on Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) expertise to support program office acquisition milestones.
• Provide operational insights and technical direction into Mission Delta 3 space EW systems across all phases of the acquisition lifecycle.
• Ensure Mission Delta 3 customers receive expert guidance during detailed discussions with internal and external stakeholders, prime contractors, and government program offices.
• Collaborate effectively with members of Mission Delta 3, government acquisition stakeholders, Aerospace, and contractors.
• Proactively anticipate and respond to Mission Delta 3 operational, capability, and acquisition needs.
• Communicate plans, progress, and system details clearly and professionally in reports, source selection/milestone briefings, and updates to government leadership and Aerospace management.
• Share technical expertise and program knowledge to mentor and develop team members.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer - Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, a related STEM field, or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and hands-on operational experience in a technical environment
• 8 or more years of progressive professional experience in National Security Space (NSS) or other defense systems engineering roles.
• Project experience in systems engineering and DoD acquisition activities across space and ground systems—including requirements development, RFP/SOW review, architectural trades, technical evaluations, milestone reviews, and acquisition lifecycle management.
• Project experience with the ability to lead and participate in multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and respond rapidly to management, customer, and program office requests.
• Ability to articulate complex technical and acquisition strategy issues clearly to diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 25%.
• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance with eligibility for Special Access Program (SAP) access. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

In addition to the above, the Minimum Requirements for Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering include:

• 12 or more years of progressive professional experience in National Security Space (NSS) or other defense systems engineering roles.
• Proven track record leading core systems engineering and DoD acquisition activities across space and ground systems—including requirements development, RFP/SOW review, architectural trades, technical evaluations, milestone reviews, and acquisition lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated project management and technical lead experience with a proven ability to direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and respond rapidly to management, customer, and program office requests.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical and acquisition strategy issues clearly to diverse audiences.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in systems, engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related STEM field is strongly preferred
• Experience in operational warfighting activities such as electromagnetic, cyber, or orbital warfare 
• Knowledge in space or terrestrial electromagnetic warfare
• Proven technical knowledge in ground-based space communication and electromagnetic warfare systems
• Skilled in testing and analyzing communication systems to verify requirements
• Hands-on experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering tools and processes
• Experience working with stakeholders to elicit, document, peer review, and validate requirements for DoD system requirements documents and statements of work
• Recent relevant experience working with electromagnetic warfare government stakeholders
• Demonstrated expertise in Mission Delta 3 systems with the ability to advise senior leadership on system capabilities and limitations
• In-depth knowledge of DoD acquisitions, information technologies, cybersecurity, or a combination of these fields
• Current or previous access to SAP, which is issued by the U.S. government, is preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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)

$117,300.00 - $226,900.00

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.