Space Architecture Performance Modeling & Simulation Specialist

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-enabled mission effects. 

The Surveillance and Navigation Architecture Performance Department (SNAPD) in the Integrated Performance Subdivision aspires to be the premier force advising the evolution of national security and civil space enterprises, leveraging our modeling and simulation (M&S) expertise to evaluate end-to-end architecture performance. 

We are seeking a Space Architecture Performance Specialist to evaluate space-based intelligence architectures and lead the strategy, development, and maintenance of sophisticated simulation tools in support of requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and performance modeling for space-based remote sensing architectures. 

Work Model: 

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly VA, Colorado Springs CO, or El Segundo CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing:  

• Lead teams to perform assessments using in-house or internally developed analysis tools that drive recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions of legacy and emerging customer space-based sensing architectures. 

• Partner across ETG to continue quality M&S standards in department capabilities and maintain awareness of software requirements and resources.  

• Serve as a technical mentor to junior staff in one or more department focus areas, coordinating training and delivering a strategy for maintaining bench depth in department capabilities. 

• Independently translate customer needs into project objectives and instructions for ETG analysts and developers, assemble and lead multi-disciplinary technical teams, track team performance, and review team products for quality and accuracy.  

• Work side-by-side with the Aerospace program office and interface with government leaders, contractors, other government agencies, other program offices, and the Aerospace Engineering and Technical Group (ETG) to address issues and provide the customer with the best available technical analyses and recommendations. 

• Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results to technical leads, management, and customers. 

• Support development and sustainment of the organization’s analysis and simulation tools and capabilities.  

What You Need to be Successful: 

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist: 

• B.S degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, mathematics, or related discipline from an accredited school. 

• 8 years of progressively technical modeling and simulation experience. 

• Professional experience with one or more of the following subjects: space-related modeling and simulation, geolocation, mission data processing, signal and image processing, space threats, resilient systems, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling. 

• Proficiency with one or more software languages that may include Python, C++, Fortran, or MATLAB. 

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI 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 Engineering Specialist include:  

• 12 years of progressively more detailed modeling and simulation experience 

• Demonstrated technical leadership, personal accountability, and adaptability to changing customer expectations 

• Knowledge in one or more of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: signals intelligence, space surveillance, geo-spatial intelligence, or space protection 

How You Can Stand Out: 

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

• Graduate degree in one of the fields of study mentioned above 

• Current TS/SCI with polygraph 

• Technical knowledge of SIGINT satellite systems 

• Familiarity with the next generation SIGINT architecture or relevant mission knowledge 

• M&S experience in one of these areas: Performance Assessment, Geolocation, RF link budgets, Antenna modeling, Signal detection 

• Performance modeling experience with at least one space subsystem (antennas, receivers, mission payloads) 

• Knowledge of Intelligence Community or US Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios 

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)

$144,500.00 - $264,600.00

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.