System of 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.

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) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The System-of-Systems Engineering (SOSE) Office provides a wide array of architectural and portfolio analysis capabilities and integrates expertise and other system analysis and design capabilities from across the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG). We are looking for a System of Systems Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist-Enterprise Systems Engineering) to support our customers’ most challenging acquisition, portfolio, enterprise, and cross-system architectural decisions.

Work Model:

This is a full-time position which requires 100% on-site work in Colorado Springs, CO

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing technical, planning, and analytical support to government customers in System of Systems Engineering, Traditional Systems Engineering, and Enterprise Systems Engineering
• Interacting directly with Aerospace program office personnel and government customers in the Colorado Springs, CO
• Developing, fostering and maintaining relationships with customers to better understand their gaps and challenges
• Turning customer problems and issues into tasks that can be supported by Aerospace capabilities at large
• Identifying relevant standards and best practices and making recommendations on their application to government customers
• Independently conducting long-range technical and programmatic studies and report findings
• Initiating studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions
• Providing ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors
• Taking initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommend courses of action
• Leading cross-organizational teams and organize interactions with customer and/or Aerospace program offices
• Acting as organization’s designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia
• Reaching across the Aerospace Engineering Backplane to obtain required expertise
• Occasional travel may be required

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Engineering Specialist-Enterprise Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Current TS/SCI clearance with eligibility for SAP
• Advanced degree in science, mathematics, or engineering
• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments
• Strong knowledge of systems-of-systems (SoS) engineering and architecting and model-based system engineering (MBSE) discipline, literature, tools, standards, and processes
• Demonstrated participation and leadership in portfolio-level analysis and architecting activities
• Demonstrated leadership of broad multidisciplinary teams conducting technical evaluations of complex systems; cost, schedule and risk analysis; portfolio-level trade studies; and requirements development
• Demonstrated success in strategic technical planning for complex systems
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
• This position requires a current TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US 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:

• Current TS/SCI clearance with Counter-Intelligence Polygraph
• Prior experience with portfolio management and digital engineering tools and processes
• Prior experience with related Aerospace portfolio analysis and architecting capabilities, specifically Portfolio Decision Support Tool (PDST)
• Extensive knowledge of the breadth and depth of ETG’s technical capabilities and customer base

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.