GEO Wide Field of View Systems Engineer full_time

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) drives improved acquisition decisions, ensures systems are available when and where needed, and system capabilities integrate and work as needed. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. SED spans the acquisition lifecycle from development to operations.

The Vehicle and Ground Implementation Department in SED provides development, assessment, and closure of space vehicle and ground designs to operational fielding. As a Senior Project Engineer in this department, you will be providing close to full-time support to the Integrated Missile Warning, Tracking organization in the Defense Systems Group (DSG). DSG serves as the technical and programmatic advisor to the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) for acquiring, developing, and fielding capabilities for the United States Space Command and joint warfighter, as well as to maintain America’s comprehensive military advantage in space.

GEO Wide Field of View (WFOV) is an on-orbit Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) demonstration of capability developed by SSC that acts as a pathfinder to support DoD requirements for future missile warning architectures. As a GEO WFOV Senior Project Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the support to the on-orbit WFOV system. You’ll oversee efforts to monitor system health and status, identify and address technical challenges to data integration into operational end user systems, and exploit mission data.

This position will be home roomed and managed from the Vehicle and Ground Implementation Department with tasking direction from the Integrated Missile Warning, Tracking organization. This will require the selected candidate to work collaboratively with management and staff from both organizations to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation’s technical capabilities in all relevant areas to carry out the assignment.

Work Model

This position will follow an in-person work model in El Segundo, CA with telecommuting possible 1-2 days per week depending on the needs of the program and customer.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Acting as technical spokesperson for the Government GEO WFOV program office customer in engagements with stakeholders
• Serving as team leader and director of a team of senior technical contributors to identify and mitigate roadblocks to system certification
• Developing and executing plans to evaluate and process WFOV data for broader stakeholder exploitation
• Identify, initiating, and developing multidisciplinary support from appropriate technical resources
• Mentoring less experienced personnel and serving as role model
• Working directly with Government and SETA counterparts within the program office
• Exemplifying Aerospace corporate values of objectivity and integrity while serving as a trusted agent to our government customers

What You Need To Be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical subject area
• 8 years of increasingly responsible relevant professional engineering experience supporting National Security Space (NSS) missions
• Proven ability to establish and maintain trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders under minimal supervision
• Track record of leading integrated multidisciplinary teams
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for interactions at all levels of corporate and government leadership
• Demonstrated ability to work adaptively on multiple tasks in a small, diverse team in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 20 percent of the time
• This position requires a current and active Top Secret SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline
• Experience with OPIR missile warning programs
• Experience with NSS operations
• Understanding of current DoD acquisition practices
• Experience directing matrixed technical support teams
• Superior knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering topics
• Experience with flight programs across defense and commercial sectors

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)

$151,300 – $226,900

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.