Program Management & 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 Civil Systems NASA Programs Division (NPD) Space Missions Directorate (SMD) oversees the success of multi-agency operational satellite programs for which NASA leads mission system development and integration. The directorate supports a broad portfolio of missions, including Landsat, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Observations, Space Weather Observations (SWO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) Observations, that rely on seamlessly integrated systems. These systems combine spacecraft buses, instrument suites, ground stations, and command, control, and data processing networks, all managed by a global team of engineers and operations staff. Success in these complex programs depends on a disciplined, systems-engineering approach that carefully coordinates development, procurement, systems integration, operational readiness, and the transition to full operation. 

SMD is looking for another Senior Project Engineer (Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) to solve our customers’ hard problems that cross organizational and/or technical boundaries. The selected candidate(s) will support one or multiple mission areas that best align with their skills, experience, and ability to make immediate and significant contributions. Potential areas of assignment include geostationary and/or low earth orbit weather satellites, land imaging satellites, cislunar communication and navigation, space science missions, and science data archival. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site in Greenbelt, MD located at Goddard Space Flight Center

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Collaborate with mission stakeholders to ascertain their highest risks and hardest problems; team with Aerospace, Contractor, and Government contributors to mitigate these risks and solve these problems. 
• Provide technical leadership to flight and/or ground system concept, architecture, design, development, integration, test, operations, and/or sustainment. 
• Work with Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group to develop proofs of concept and prototypes to demonstrate innovative solutions. 
• Support pertinent data collection, analysis, evaluation, anomaly identification, resolution, and risk assessment. 
• Assist customers with system performance tracking at the enterprise level. 
• Assist the Government to plan, manage, and execute programs and projects 
• Accomplish regular reporting to SMD customers and Aerospace senior management, with focus on results and their impact on the problem(s) 

What You Need to be Successful: Senior Project Engineer - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or equivalent 
• 12 or more years of progressively responsible professional experience with credible success in one or more of the following areas: 
• Spacecraft, Instrument, and/or Ground Systems Engineering 
• Mission Readiness and/or Flight Operations for Spaceborne Missions 
• Science and/or operational data processing, distribution, and archival 
• Civil or military application of Spaceborne Data (i.e. weather forecasts, crop production, etc) 
• Program and/or Project Management  
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically approx. 10%  
• Willing to work on-site at NASA GSFC or the Aerospace office in Greenbelt, MD 
• This position may require the 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. 

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Advanced degree(s) in engineering, physical science, or equivalent technical discipline 
• Proven track record of solving complex, ill-defined problems 
• Outstanding communication skills: listening, writing, and presenting 
• Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience

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)

$151,300.00 - $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.