Space Vehicle Systems Engineer/Sr. Space Vehicle Systems 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 Materiel 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 Missile Defense Space Architectures department directly supports the Missile Defense Agency’s Space Capabilities office. As the primary interface to this component of MDA, we help our customer understand their acquisition and development requirements, coordinate and provide technical expertise through our extensive reachback model, and ensure success across a variety of projects. We are looking for a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering) to be embedded with our customer, primarily in support of the DSS demonstration program.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at Schriever SFB in Colorado Springs, CO

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting MDA Space Capabilities office (DCS), and specifically the DSS program
• Collaborating with the government team, including other FFRDC, UARC, and SETA personnel, to ensure mission success
• Evaluating and assisting contractor and subcontractor performance regarding space vehicle design and development
• Supporting other DSS space segment and general DCS activities as needed

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline
• 8 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: mechanical design and analysis, design for manufacturing, optical-mechanical systems, environmental testing, propulsion, mechanisms, guidance and controls, thermal engineering, structures
• Ability to conduct detailed technical analyses and apply knowledge independently with minimal guidance
• Demonstration of progressively increasing responsibilities in work assignments / projects
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work location or customer site (domestically) approx. 10%
• Current and active Secret security clearance issued by the US government

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

• 12 or more years of relevant professional experience
• Experience assembling and leading multi-disciplinary team members and working across departments, divisions, and customers
• Demonstrated significant programmatic impact in past roles

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or other technical discipline
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: electrical integration and testing, test hardware/software, electrical design, power systems, ground support equipment (electrical, mechanical, optical, test, etc.)
• Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines
• Experience in business development activities
• Knowledge of satellite test standards and Aerospace mission assurance

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.