Ground Data Networks (GDN) and Cyber & Network Defense (CND) Architect

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.

We’re not just building satellites; we’re constructing the future of defense, one innovative solution at a time. As the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, we tackle the most complex challenges with unmatched technical expertise. The Space Warfighting Analysis Office within our Aerospace Space Security Directorate is seeking a driven Ground Data Networks (GDN) and Cyber & Network Defense (CND) Architect to support our DoD customers.

This role will dive deep into cutting-edge Ground Data Networks (GDN) and Cyber & Network Defense (CND) capabilities and analysis and perform requirements development, assessment, and design of next-generation, best-in-class GDN and CND systems that will support and enable U.S. dominance in space. Through collaboration with a world-class team of passionate problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, your work will directly impact national security and help shape the future of space operations for defense, civil, and commercial customers. In partnership with government officials, this position will define critical analytic problems and tasks, guiding the development of GDN and CND Force Design products. This role will leverage your technical expertise and understanding of GDN and CND systems to develop high-level requirements and concepts for future architectures. As we shape the battlefield of tomorrow, this position will contribute directly to designing resilient and effective solutions that will win the next war in space.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Colorado Springs, CO.   

What You’ll Be Doing

• Guide cutting-edge space capabilities development supporting the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC). In this fast-paced, high-stakes environment, you’ll be at the forefront of national security, crafting next-generation GDN and CND systems for the joint warfighter.
• Spearhead the development of future space architectures, designing resilient and effective solutions to operate in a highly contested operational environment.
• Guide the SWAC’s Government leadership, providing expert advice on technical approaches, force design, systems engineering, and mission architectures for both space and ground-based operations.
• Lead analytical efforts that define the battlefield of tomorrow, developing comprehensive analytic plans, identifying critical tasks, and guiding studies to shape the future of space warfighting.
• Plan, assign, and manage the workload of interdisciplinary teams to meet challenging customer requirements.
• Collaborate with a diverse team across multiple classifications, engaging with interagency, military, and civilian communities – including key organizations like Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Development Agency (SDA), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), US Space Command (USSC) and other Combatant Commands.
• Leverage Aerospace’s vast resources to tap into a wealth of expertise, solving complex customer challenges and delivering impactful solutions.
• Make a tangible impact by communicating your findings to senior leadership at Aerospace and the government, ensuring your work directly influences national security strategy.
• This role demands strong leadership, technical acumen, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of space warfare.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer– Enterprise Systems Engineering

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related technical field from a recognized institution
• 8 or more years of progressively increasing responsibility and technical experience in two or more of the following: enterprise-scale network operations, cyber security, systems engineering and development, formal analysis/optimization of large scale enterprise network performance and protection.
• Three or more years experience in one or more of the following: space sensing systems development, network/cyber systems acquisition, operations analysis, program management, commercial cloud provisioning/deployment, security operations center management.
• Familiarity with space-based communications systems and supporting ground infrastructure.
• In-depth understanding of defense-in-depth principles, cyber defense frameworks, and systems security best-practices in both government and commercial networks.
• Proven proficiency in leading technical analyses and translating complex technical concepts for consumption by multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Energetic self-starter, able to independently identify tasks, set goals, work, and thrive in a fast-paced & dynamic environment, solving complex problems.
• Willing to travel occasionally approx. 20% (as required)
• This position requires an active Top Secret security clearance, with eligibility for SCI and SAP/SAR clearances, which are issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Applicant must be willing to take a US government administered polygraph test.

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

• 12 or more years of progressively increasing responsibility and technical experience in two or more of the following: enterprise-scale network operations, cyber security, systems engineering and development, formal analysis/optimization of large scale enterprise network performance and protection.
• Four or more years of relevant technical experience in space systems operations, acquisition, analysis, or program management.
• Five or more years of experience interfacing directly with customers.
• Proven ability to work within integrated Government, FFRDC, UARC, and SETA teams.
• Demonstrated strong technical leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• High level of creativity, initiative systems thinking, and innovation.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or other relevant technical fields.
• Formal education and/or more than 10 years’ experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis, with a focus on terrestrial networks, cloud computing, space systems, or joint warfighting operations.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with creating, supporting and/or leading technical studies teams examining topics of national significance including tasking and managing matrixed technical resources.
• Current relevant government and/or industry certifications in program management, cloud computing, network operations, and security, including but not limited to: Security+, CISM, CISSP, CCSP, PMP,
• First-hand knowledge of military and commercial communications system missions, designs, and operations.
• Experience operating in an Agile, DevSecOps, or other advanced software development environment.
• Experience with digital engineering and Model Based Systems Engineering principles, activities, and tools.
• Extensive experience with one or more space system development program offices.
• Understanding of national space architectures, both traditional/legacy, and proliferated.
• Demonstrated success in directly interfacing with senior government leadership of varying backgrounds.
• Experience working with the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, Space Security and Defense Program, US Space Force, or US Space Command.

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.