Space Vehicle and 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.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
 

Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) Proliferated Systems (PS) Office is looking for a Space Vehicle and Operations Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Multi-Disciplinary Engineering) with Space Vehicle, Payload Systems, Space Systems Assembly, Integration, and Test, System Verification, and Operations knowledge and experience to support next-generation major system acquisitions across multiple phases of the acquisition life cycle. This role will directly support multiple customer divisions by organizing and leading Aerospace domain expert support of system development from requirements development, design reviews, interface development, assembly, integration, test, hardware delivery, and mission operations.
 

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA, which requires 100% onsite work.
 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinate Aerospace technical support for the space vehicle portions of an integrated space and ground system as well as support to on-orbit checkout activities and mission operations.

• Supporting Space Vehicle development and test
• Providing technical leadership to Aerospace domain expert engagement in hardware development and design challenges
• Collaborating with Aerospace counterparts external to the program office across the Enterprise
• Participating in non-conformance, anomaly, and major technical issue response teams during Space Vehicle and Payload-related customer activities
• Coordinating Subject Matter Expert support for milestone reviews
• Providing on-site Aerospace presence and communicating with the customer, SETA, and contractors
• Collaborating with SETA and government customer counterparts to meet mission needs

 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Multi-Disciplinary Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical/STEM field
• 6 years of responsible professional engineering experience working on space programs
• Experience with development, test, and implementation of Space systems
• Prior engineering leadership or project management experience
• Willing to support frequent travel (typically once or twice per month)
• This position requires a current and active TS/SSBI/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 Project Engineer – Multi – Disciplinary Engineer requires:

• 12 years of responsible professional engineering experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments
• Proven expertise architecting, developing, testing, and fielding complex Space systems, including satellite platforms, payloads, ground systems, or space vehicle integration in operational mission environments
• Senior engineering leadership and program management experience, including directing multidisciplinary engineering teams, owning technical risk and schedule accountability on major space programs, and acting as the senior technical interface with government/customer stakeholders

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Experience working Space systems development and for National Security Space customers
• Technical knowledge of the current threat environment
• Understanding of and experience working with a matrixed engineering organization.
• Ability to function optimally, efficiently, and collaboratively with limited supervision
• Strong customer focused demeanor with outstanding skills in coordinating exchanges between technical staff and the customer
• Extensive experience working with the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group to deliver analyses and solutions for customers
  

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.