Space-Based Interceptor Technology Analysis Leader

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Golden Dome missile defense system aims to counter the threat of ballistic, hypersonic, and other advanced threats from peer and near-peer adversaries as directed within the presidential executive order. Within the Golden Dome architecture, the Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) Program Office seeks to develop and deploy a proliferated constellation of space-based interceptors capable of boost-phase engagement of adversary missiles. The SBI interceptors will employ a Fire Control capability that is integrated with the overall Golden Dome missile defense system.

We are looking for a Space-Based Interceptor Technology Analysis Leader to directly support the SBI Program Office to advise to the development of this novel missile defense capability.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Huntsville, AL.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Directly advise the U.S. government on both endo- and exo-atmospheric technology maturation needs
• Provide objective engineering review of SBI designs to survive through challenging operational parameters such as high ΔV maneuvers, space environments, and atmospheric effects
• Integrate and refine terminal guidance sensor technologies that can reliably identify targets amid complex backgrounds, transforming sensor data into precise maneuver commands during engagement windows
• Ensure proper interfacing with fire control and common ground elements for interceptor designs
• Assist government in planning, execution, and documentation of critical test events
• Identify technical risks throughout the design and test phases, proactively developing mitigation strategies

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Project Leader - Systems Engineering and Operations Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
• 8 or more years of relevant professional or educational experience in Systems Engineering
• Strong understanding of physics associated with orbital environments, re-entry, and endo-atmospheric design
• Excellent technical written and oral communication skills
• Willing to travel domestically approx. 25%
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, 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 Sr. Project Leader - Systems Engineering and Operations Systems Engineering include:

• 12 or more years of relevant professional in Systems Engineering
• Experience leading programs and research related to physics associated with orbital environments, re-entry, and endo-atmospheric design
• Excellent communication skills with experience working with the customer government and military leaders.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master’s degree or higher in a directly relevant field of Engineering or Physics
• Demonstrated experience in space systems or missile defense engineering
• Deep knowledge of guidance, navigation, and controls associated with interceptor technology such as high-ΔV maneuvers and aerodynamic heating
• Understanding of relevant sensor technologies relating to terminal guidance of interceptors
• Experience with demonstration missions and/or prototyping missions is highly desirable
• Proven ability to execute tasks in a matrixed environment and establish effective working relationships with customers, addressing their needs, building relationships, and communicating effectively
• Demonstration of superior communication skills in a fast-paced environment

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)

$120,800.00 - $233,900.00

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.