Space Combat Power Mission 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 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.

We are looking for a Space Combat Power Mission Engineer in the Special Programs Division which supports a broad array of Space Combat Power missions delivering warfighting capabilities needed for space superiority. The main customer will be the Space Combat Power (SCP) PAE and all included programs. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition, and research and technology for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities. As the Project Leader/Senior Systems Mission Engineer you will directly support multiple acquisition programs on their mission integration tasks; with a primary program being your day-to-day responsibility.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform Systems and Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE) to identify integration risks, issues, and gaps
• Apply innovative analytical approaches and SoSE methodologies to uncover integration challenges; including areas such as operations, acquisition, and testing
• Coordinate activities across the SCP portfolio with Mission Deltas, STARCOM and Combat Forces Command to align stakeholders with fielding and operational acceptance decisions
• Influence programs and stakeholders to drive closure of identified RIGs through technical credibility and effective communication 
• Collaborate closely and effectively with government, Aerospace, other FFRDC and contractor support personnel

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Leader – Systems Test Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or other applicable degree
• 8 or more years of experience in relevant engineering/technical/operational aspects of National Security Space systems
• Familiarity with multi-disciplinary systems engineering activities for space systems
• Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment and be responsive to management/customer requests
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10%
• Current TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to obtain additional clearances, which are issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Sr. Project Engineer – Systems Test Engineering include:

• 12 or more years of experience in relevant engineering/technical/operational aspects of National Security Space systems
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary systems engineering activities for space systems
• Proven experience taking initiative and delivering on commitments
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment, foster effective relationships, and be responsive to management/customer requests

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in technical discipline (engineering, science or math) 
• Knowledgeable of Space Control programs, Orbital Warfare concept of operations and related mission areas 
• Familiarity of space operations, dynamic space operations, and JP 3-60
• Proven experience with the development, integration, or operation of DoD and/or IC space and/or ground systems
• Familiarity with SSIO increment approach and enterprise capability frameworks 
• Knowledge of ongoing mission area activities within and outside of SSC 
• Experience working with integrated government, FFRDC, and SETA teams 
• Experience leveraging the breadth and depth of Aerospace ETG technical capabilities and resources
• Current SAP/SAR 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 - $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.