Model-Based Systems Engineer - Space Force Requirements

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 Model-Based Systems Engineer - Space Force Requirements, you will architect and implement creative MBSE approaches for the United States Space Force’s organization overseeing all new and existing requirements for Space Force’s space, ground, and launch systems. The Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements (HQSF S5/8) is responsible for the development and oversight of the Space Force's requirements. The selected candidate will work within Aerospace DSG’s Pentagon and Multi-Domain Division and partner closely with the Portfolio Analysis Department in the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at the Pentagon with occasional visits to Aerospace locations in Crystal City, VA and Chantilly, VA.   

What You’ll Be Doing

• Act as Aerospace’s primary point-of-contact for digital transformation to the organization overseeing Space Force requirements
• Utilize Aerospace resources, teams, and expertise to advise CSRO on the effective use of MBSE methodologies, modeling languages, and modeling and tools that meet their use cases
• Assist Space Force in creating exemplar models and systems to facilitate the transition to a digital Space Force
• Train Aerospace ETG, program office, and government customers on MBSE adoption, integration, and execution practices
• Develop and share your Digital Engineering and MBSE knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices across Aerospace internal and external MBSE communities of interest through papers and presentations
• Support other MBSE projects and knowledge transfer with Aerospace’s Portfolio Analysis Department as needed

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or other relevant field is required
• 8 or more years of increasingly responsible experience in systems engineering or other space-related engineering disciplines is required
• Proficient with MBSE modeling languages (SysML, UAFML, LML, etc.), methodologies (OOSEM, SysMOD, MagicGrid etc.), and tools (Cameo, Cameo Simulation Toolkit).
• Possess:
  • Initiative, flexibility and be able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Mature interpersonal skills and be well adept at oral and written communication
  • Excellent time-management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects

• Willing to travel domestically on occasion when required by the customer, approx. <10% (as required)  
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, 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 the Senior Project Engineer- Systems Engineering) include:

• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible experience in systems engineering or other space-related engineering disciplines
• Experience working with space system requirements documents such as CDDs and ICDs is required
• Capable of independently managing complex projects, lead technical teams, and spearhead new efforts
• Provide mentorship and strategic oversight to junior engineering staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring alignment with aerospace industry standards and organizational goals

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM field is strongly preferred
• Directed multi-disciplinary teams across departments to achieve strategic goals, ensuring seamless collaboration and timely project deliverables
• Experience with and/or working knowledge of the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) span of technical capabilities and organizational construct
• Experience briefing senior Government leaders (General Officer and/or SES) is highly desirable
• Possess a thorough understanding of the roles played by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; the United States Space Force, U.S. Space Command; the space system program offices; the defense agencies; the Joint Staff; and other government organizations in the acquisition, management, and operation of the national security space enterprise
• A current and active TS/SCI with SAP accesses security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly 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.