Space Operations 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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

We are looking for a Space Operations Engineer (Project Engineer- Operations Systems Engineering). In the role, you will be an integral part of the Mission Operations and Engineering Department within the Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) Directorate. The department provides Satellite Ground Services and Space Mission Systems Engineering to NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Production Operations (OSPO) and other NESDIS line offices.  This support includes interfacing with Aerospace and customer program management, leading and/or performing enterprise level trade studies and analysis, requirements definition/analysis, integration and test, ground system evolution and technology insertion, mission operations, and the transition of ground-based capabilities to next generation systems including enterprise ground implementations. 

This position is onsite in Suitland, MD with the expectation that the selected candidate will work at least 4 days a week onsite, as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead, manage, perform, and analyze work across multiple engineering areas of an organization’s operations.
• Collaborate across the organization to determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, and customer demand for new and existing products.
• Apply knowledge of spacecraft and satellite operations, mission support and related engineering concepts, approaches, methods, tools, and technology.
• Interact with customer technical support on ground and space-based services development
• Facilitate project specifics tasking between customers' and Aerospace technical management staff
• Support Design, Integration & Test of space and ground- based solutions
• Examines technology trends, designs new products and processes, modifies and improves existing products/processes, and develops test procedures.
• Support analysis & architecture/systems trade studies
• Participate in NOAA ground studies to recommend cost effective solutions for future Enterprise architectures
• Advise on strategic technology directions to improve the system capabilities, product quality and reduce operational costs.
• Provide direct support to senior government decision makers regarding programmatic and operational schedules, risks and issues.

What You Need to Be Successful - Project Engineer- Operations Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related STEM discipline
• Six or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including space and/or ground systems and a background in satellite operations, systems engineering, technical and project leadership in an engineering, operations or program office
• Experience with NOAA, and/or NASA and/or commercial space systems and operations
• High level working knowledge of NOAA procurement processes and management support of moderate to large systems acquisitions
• Working knowledge of space to ground systems communications, including Radio Frequency link budgets, ground antenna systems, and associated processing capabilities
• Ability to provide systems-based engineering and technical leadership in the areas of space and ground systems applicable to legacy and enterprise level systems
• Experience with international and interagency space /ground mission systems and agencies
• Demonstrated skills in technical program planning/scheduling, risk management processes, program cost estimation, contractor proposal evaluation and associated tools (MS Project, MS Excel, or equivalent)
• Technical leadership in engineering studies and evaluations of proposed and existing hardware and software architectures

• Communications, presentation, and negotiation skills
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and with visual media to a broad range of customers, technologists, program managers, system engineers, and senior government leadership
  • Highly advanced interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers, is required.
  • Excellent technical written and oral communication skills are essential.

• 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 in Engineering/Science with focus on Space Operations and Satellite Ground Systems including communications, processing, storage and distribution of satellite data and information.
• Experience supporting NOAA NESDIS organizations or NASA Goddard weather programs, especially NOAA satellite operations, maintenance and sustainment at NOAA’s Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) and Command and Data Acquisition Stations (CDAS).
• Expertise/knowledge in the hardware/software lifecycle from concept of operations to end of life for satellite or ground-based systems including architecture, program management, risk assessment, and process improvement

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.