Space AI Operational 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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The new hire will join the Space Planning, Readiness, and Operations (SPRO) Department team to provide operationally focused space solutions for warfighter and end user in support of our Department of War (DoW), Intelligence Community (IC), and civil customers.  We serve as the EED and ETG entry point for wargaming and exercises, space operations planning, and operationally relevant solutions support to connect corporate technical capabilities and operational requirements, integrate capabilities across the space enterprise, and educate the workforce on space operations and warfighting.  Do you want to have a positive impact on the present and future space enterprise? Join us as a Space Artificial Intelligence (AI) Operational Engineer on the Space Planning, Readiness, and Operations Department team at The Aerospace Corporation!

Work Model

• 100% Onsite: This is a full-time position based in Colorado Springs, CO, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing vignettes and use cases for the adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) concepts. 
• Partnering with organizations and experts within the company to drive AI/ML-enabled solutions to operationally relevant challenges.
• Providing thought leadership to corporate AI leaders and government stakeholders to develop strategic plans that integrate AI/ML into elements of the customer’s architecture.
• Exhibiting leadership by bridging the gap between operational needs and requirements and AI/ML technical solutions and educating Aerospace staff on operational use cases.       
• Working across space mission and IC boundaries to identify common program challenges and risks, provide enterprise recommendations, foster innovative partnerships, and lead issues to closure.
• Working closely and effectively with internal and external partners in integrated product teams that include government, industry, FFRDC members, and collaboration across Aerospace.
• Communicating effectively with customers and management through timely reporting of technical issues, analysis reports, and recommendations.

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in engineering, mathematics, technical science, or relevant field.
• 8 or more years of professional experience in space operations, planning, or warfighting roles.
• A keen understanding of how AI/ML principles may enable future operations.
• Energy and willingness to learn about AI/ML principles and identify good matches between customer needs and AI/ML technical solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, exciting environment with rapidly evolving, competing priorities.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site, as required.   
• Active Top Secret security clearance and ability to obtain and maintain access to Sensitive Information (SCI), 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 Engineering Specialist include:

• 12 or more years of relevant career experience.
• Demonstrated blend of operational, warfighting, and/or planning experience and data science and AI/ML technical growth to include leading projects.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree from a recognized institution in engineering, mathematics, technical science, or relevant field.
• Experience in applying AI/ML principles to DoD/DoW or industry projects.
• General awareness of cloud technologies and platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Platform One). 
• Familiarity with latest AI advancements in data management, automation, governance, and operations.
• General awareness of the external landscape with respect to AI/ML.
• Experience developing software applications and tools using modern object-oriented or scripting languages.
• Experience developing dashboard displays for complex problem sets. 
• Experience leading and completing projects within a matrixed organization.
• Experience with different space operations mission areas/functions such as electronic warfare (EW), orbital warfare (OW), missile warning missile tracking (MW/MT), space domain awareness (SDA), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), command and control (C2), and position, navigation, and timing (PNT).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills that span technical and operational subjects.
• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI access.

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.