Industrial Base/Supply Chain 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 dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The Mission Assurance Subdivision (MAS) uses objective and repeatable methods to deliver risk and safety assessments, reliability optimization and resiliency planning, operational readiness, and product assurance. MAS supports acquisition and systems engineering of systems, systems-of-systems, facilities, and enterprises across the lifecycle for the USSF, NASA, NOAA, Intelligence Community (IC) and other Agencies. 

The manufacturing and mission assurance department (MMAD) provides product and process assurance and manufacturing expertise across the acquisition lifecycle.  A particular interest of MMAD is increasing capability in industrial base assessment, effective supplier and subcontractor management, and supply chain risk identification and mitigation strategies.  Given the transition to proliferated constellations, with accelerated acquisition timelines and higher volume production, effective industrial base capability assessment, supply chain risk identification, management and mitigation, supply chain requirement development, oversight and execution, and problem resolution is critical to successful government contract execution.

The Industrial Base/Supply Chain Engineer – (Engineering Specialist – Mission Assurance Engineering)  will lead and contribute to industrial base assessments across the space system lifecycle, support future strategy for data-supported risk decisions related to the industrial base, support independent reviews of supplier/subcontractor facilities, capabilities and processes, and influence space system industrial base policy and guidance that effect operational reliability. This person may also organize and lead interdisciplinary teams to perform industrial base studies involving forward looking risk and mission assurance assessments of space systems.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA which requires 100% onsite work

What You’ll Be Doing

• Partner with the government to identify and mitigate supply chain, industrial base and space vehicle parts issues and quality concerns for a broad range of government programs.
• Develop strategies to mitigate industrial base issues and concerns impacting the availability of components and to address technology obsolescence concerns including research and development infusion or industrial base financial stimulation necessary to ensure industry capability to meet government production needs.
• Work with internal Aerospace labs and subject matter experts along with industry in the analysis of parts anomalies and product disruptions to determine root cause and to qualify alternatives.
• Lead and monitor technical projects related to the manufacture or certification of technologies whose current or future availability are at risk, and which are critical to current and future programs
• Partner with the government to evaluate and employ commercially available industrial base illumination and supply chain risk management assessment tools.
• Develop, plan and execute on-site supplier assessments against AS9100 and supplier policy criteria to identify process shortfalls and concerns
• Perform complex assignments independently without appreciable direction exercising considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignment.

​What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the (Engineering Specialist – Mission Assurance Engineering)  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, sciences, mathematics, or related discipline.
• 8 years of progressively more responsible engineering/scientific experience including experience leading a team, process, and/or projects from conception to completion
• Previous experience working with vendors and other agencies to mitigate supply-chain issues
• Experience with planning, developing, and executing procurement of specialized materials, and complex assemblies for a defense space Integrated Product Team (IPT), Program, or collection of Programs.
• Experience developing new suppliers, performing supply-chain risk management, assessing supplier performance, developing and executing supplier return-to-green mitigation plans, and supply chain issue resolution plans.
• Experience developing and performing supplier on-site assessments and root cause, corrective action investigations
• Effective, concise, compelling communication skills
• Ability to build relationships across the government, SETAs, prime contractors and sub-tier suppliers.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  

How You Can Stand Out

• It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
• Background in government acquisitions
• Familiarity with Space Industrial Base
• Knowledge of and familiarity with Mission Assurance Compliance Standards, FAR/DFARS regulations and agency supplements
• Proven experience with supplier management including development and execution of hardware specifications, Statement of Work, terms and conditions, and Contract Data deliverables for major/key subcontractors
• Experience formulating and utilizing appropriate metrics and indicators to manage and improve supplier/subcontractor performance.
• Direct experience cultivating and maintaining strong working relationships with program leadership, government, prime contractors and sub-tier suppliers

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 - $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.