Payload 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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. The Imagery Program Division’s GEOINT Development Office (GDO) - Payload Division - utilizes Aerospace’s core competencies and cutting-edge technologies to support payload hardware development, acquisition, and operation for the nation’s flagship national security space program.

GDO Payload is seeking a Payload Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer – Payload Systems Engineering) to apply strong systems engineering approaches to provide sound and objective technical recommendations and solutions to our customer and contractor community.  In this unique leadership position, you will manage a bicoastal Aerospace team comprised of matrix engineering and laboratory resources in support of existing and next generation payload hardware.

This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VA, or El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Identify payload-related hardware issues / risks, document mitigations, and make recommendations to government customers within a dynamic program office environment. Payload-related hardware includes optical telescope and vehicle protection subsystems and their respective auxiliary equipment
• Serve as a principal technical representative to the customer, and facilitate communications with the broader customer payload community
• Leading a diverse team of technical experts within Aerospace ETG to manage and mitigate all technical risks that arise throughout the entire acquisition life cycle
• Ensure effective collaboration and communication across GDO, related Aerospace program offices and Aerospace ETG staff
• Monitor and assist in development of budgets and other resource allocations to accomplish tasks within the payload group

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Payload Systems Engineering: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline
• Minimum of 6 years of experience with electro-optics engineering and/or integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility, as well as working with, and/or leading, broad teams in technical, architecture, strategy, and engineering projects and tasks
• Willing to travel domestically (up to 1 week per month)
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the Senior Project Engineer – Payload Systems Engineering requires the following:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience with electro-optics engineering and integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility
• Proven track record contributing to and/or leading major technical projects in technical, architecture, strategy, and engineering projects and tasks

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in a relevant engineering or remote sensing field
• Expertise in visible and/or infrared (IR) electro-optical sensors and associated technology
• Existing working relationships with relevant Aerospace matrix engineering organizations to quickly bring resources to address customer needs
• Knowledge of the customer’s mission enterprise, existing remote sensing capabilities and mission partner’s needs
• Experience evaluating remote sensing payload trade studies and design assessments, and knowledge of typical remote sensing payload performance budgets
• Communication with a broad range of customers, technologists, program managers, system engineers, and senior government leaders

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)

$129,000.00 - $249,600.00

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.