Payload Systems Engineer/Sr. 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 Survivability and Resilience Office (SRO) of the Advanced Technology Division offers broadening opportunities to make a lasting impact on mission success in a rapidly evolving mission area that requires end-to-end integration of space and ground architectures, cross-organizational reach, has varying mission assurance and acquisition approaches, and spans R&D to major system acquisition. SRO is looking for a Payload Systems Engineer/Sr. Payload Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Payload Systems Engineer) to be a key leader in the exploration and development of a boundary-pushing non-traditional resiliency payload and its integration into the space enterprise. This includes technical leadership for all payload systems engineering activities such as design, test, and conceptual operations along with research of potential threats, end-to-end mission analysis, and mission specific risk reduction activities. 

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working shoulder-to-shoulder within Aerospace and with the Government & SETA team to coordinate and support payload systems engineering activities, including requirements analysis, mission CONOPS, performance tests, and mission effectiveness evaluations
• Developing and analyzing mission engagement models and optimizing their probability of success based on potential payload designs, overall system capabilities, and knowledge of emerging threats
• Supporting cross-segment integration and analysis for both space and ground elements
• Researching and guiding the exploration, development, and maturation of technologies and capabilities needed for next generation resiliency payloads
• Identifying and pursuing new opportunities for Aerospace prototyping and technology risk reduction activities
• Building and leading Aerospace matrix engineer teams of subject matter experts to assess and guide new developments or solve emerging problems in critical technology areas

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – Payload Systems Engineer - RF

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics or a related technical discipline from a recognized institution
• 6+ years of professional engineering experience with increasing responsibilities
• Experience with satellite payloads design, development, integration, test, and/or on-orbit operations involving RF-based capabilities
• A background in survivability and resiliency-centric mission analysis and CONOPs development
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to travel domestically approximately once a month on average.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI SSBI 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 minimum requirements for Senior Project Engineer – Payload Systems Engineer – RF

• 10+ years of professional engineering experience with increasing responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead small teams and coordinate the technical activities of multiple contributors

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) related discipline
• Experience in developing advanced technology demonstrations and transitioning them to operational systems
• Demonstrated familiarity with the overall development and design of typical space satellite bus systems
• Demonstrated experience with the full systems engineering lifecycle
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and leading technical teams through multiple stages of a program life cycle

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.