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.
This position blends the technical benefits of systems and digital engineering to apply to the program office location in Chantilly, VA. The National Systems Group programs require system engineering and integration (SE&I) and acquisition program expertise to execute a vital national program. The candidate will develop and execute studies to support Systems Engineering and Integration activities for focus areas such as systems engineering; acquisition programmatic and technical development effectiveness; requirements development and analysis; and risk assessments.
The Senior Systems and Acquisitions Engineer (Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineering) will be home roomed and managed from the Systems Integration and Test Office (SITO) in Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group. The position will be managed out of SITO and tasked by the program office as a matrixed position. This will require the candidate to work collaboratively with acquisition and modernization program staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation’s technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the ground system for the SIGINT mission. This construct links to applicant to the engineering expertise in Aerospace while directly supporting the customer.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide expert system integration and systems engineering to challenging National space related development.
- Provide subject matter expertise in one of the following domains: SIGINT missions, Mission Management, or Ground architecture for a large, proliferated space constellation.
- Conduct technical analysis of lifecycle acquisition programs and processes to enhance efficiencies, improve program oversight, identify improvement areas and develop technical solutions for resolution.
- Develop technical solutions that improve Mission Assurance practices within the National SIGINT enterprise through the application of proven scientific, engineering, quality, and program management principles toward the goal of achieving mission success.
- Conduct systems studies and analyses that support technical, programmatic, and organizational decision-making on a variety of acquisition and modernization projects.
- Perform studies such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments.
- Develop systems engineering expertise to accomplish collaborations with program development and program execution staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation’s technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the program office.
- Lead integrated teams to develop engineering assessments of acquisitions and capabilities for system lifecycle application and utilization.
- Represent the Aerospace Corporation to senior level customers.
Work Model
- This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements: Senior Systems and Acquisitions Engineer – Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineering
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or other field of study coupled with equivalent experience in technical operations and/or management of advanced technology national security systems.
- 12 years of experience in the acquisition program development and management; application of system engineering principles including requirements engineering and analysis, risk management, quality; demonstrated knowledge of acquisition program management principles to achieve success of a design, development, testing, deployment, and operations process, and identifying and mitigating design, production, test, and field support deficiencies that are critical to program success.
- Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a self-motivated and self-directed manner.
- Demonstrated teaming and leadership skills in tasks such as formulating plans, leading studies, and utilizing internal technology competency organizations.
- Willing to travel domestically (10-15% of the time) as necessary and flex work schedule to accommodate deadlines to support job requirements.
- Demonstrated capability to perform analysis and lead technical product delivery.
- This position requires ability to obtain and maintain 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.
How You Can Stand Out
- An advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer science/software engineering, aerospace engineering, maths/physics.
- Strong background in signal processing and RF communications.
- Strong background in automation and/or Machine Learning.
- A formal degree or certification in systems engineering and/or project management.
- Experience with agile-based software development at scale, agile testing with IV&V for federal contracts, commercial cloud environment, and DevOps pipeline implementation.
- Experience with frequent operational deployments to both ground and on-orbit assets.
- Knowledge or experience with either proliferated or hybrid satellite architectures.
- Knowledge or experience with Enterprise level testing and integration of complex systems.
- Expertise in RF remote sensing payloads and systems.
- Hold current TS/SSBI/SCI Clearance.
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.
