Military GPS User Equipment Lead 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, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

Aerospace is seeking an experienced and versatile engineer to advise the Air Force Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Program Office in developing the next generation of PNT user equipment for ground, aviation, maritime, handheld, and weapons applications. The successful candidate will provide leadership, planning, and direction to a technical team directly supporting the AF PNT Program Office and programs such as the Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) program, in its mission to field modernized PNT user equipment for the warfighter. As Aerospace’s Lead Engineer for PNT systems, you will serve as the primary technical advisor to the Air Force customer, providing deep subject matter expertise on PNT technologies, GPS M-Code capabilities, and system performance. You will work closely with Air Force program leadership to identify and prioritize technical areas requiring analysis, then coordinate with the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG), government contractors, and other FFRDCs to scope and execute trade studies addressing critical challenges such as receiver performance and integration constraints. Additional responsibilities include preparing comprehensive reports and recommendations for the Air Force, facilitating technical reviews with government and industry partners, and mentoring junior engineers supporting the program.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our El Segundo CA, Crystal City DC, or Wright-Patterson AFB OH location.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serving as Aerospace’s lead engineer, providing direct technical inputs the Air Force PNT program office to support the requirements, development, test, and fielding/integration of modernized PNT end user equipment
• Actively managing a cross-divisional Aerospace engineering support team by translating customer needs, defining tasks, reviewing work products for technical adequacy, and mentoring junior staff in PNT user equipment
• Overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of technical reports, analyses, simulation models, and recommendations for the Air Force customer
• Facilitating technical reviews with government and industry partners and collaborating with multi-disciplinary gov, gov contractor, and FFRDC/UARC teams

• Traveling to contractor sites for program reviews and technical interchange meetings
• Identifying opportunities for integration and development of new, novel PNT technologies, sensors, and sources

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineering - Acquisition

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering or equivalent is required
• 12 or more years of applicable experience in relevant engineering field
• Knowledge of military PNT systems and applications
• Demonstrated ability to effectively build teams and establish strong working relationships with management, peers, subordinates, customers and contractors
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize tasks
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced program office environment; an ability to adapt quickly to change and take initiative under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal, technical, verbal, and written communication skills - organize complex materials and concepts in clear and logical manner
• This position requires a current DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Willingness to travel domestically to customer site approx. 15% (as required) 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Significant familiarity with GPS, GPS receivers, military PNT applications, or microelectronics
• Previous work leading and effectively managing projects and/or multi-disciplinary teams
• Advanced technical degree in engineering, mathematics, or related technical discipline

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)

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.