Project Leader - Operational Prototype Integration

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.

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.

As part of the Space Enterprise and Warfighting Division, our Space Warfighting Directorate provides high-quality analytic support to the United States Space Force (USSF), United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), and the USSF Space Component Field Commands (C-FLDCOMs). We are seeking a Project Leader – Operational Prototype Integration (Project Leader - Technical Project Management) to develop, field, and sustain software and hardware prototypes that deliver direct operational value to space warfighters. This position serves as technical deputy to Aerospace's Component Technical Lead, supporting prototype development, fielding, and integration across USSF Component Field Commands and operational centers.  This is a dynamic opportunity to work at the leading edge of Aerospace's FFRDC for the Warfighter (FFW) initiative, putting capability directly into the hands of operational warfighters at locations including Component Field Commands and USSF Space Operations Squadrons.

This position requires 100% in-person work, based in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the strategic planning and management of the FFW prototype portfolio to include roadmapping and resource needs.
• Facilitate the development and fielding of software prototypes and limited hardware prototypes addressing critical operational gaps for space warfighters.
• Serve as technical deputy to the Component Technical Lead, executing delegated authority for prototype prioritization, technical approach, and realizing the Virtual Reachback Center CONOPS.
• Coordinate directly with Aerospace embedded personnel at C-FLDCOMs to understand operational requirements and facilitate prototype fielding.
• Deploy prototypes to operational locations, providing on-site integration, user training, and technical support.
• Embed with operational units as needed to understand workflows, gather requirements, and iterate prototype capabilities based on user feedback.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) developers, labs, and external partners to leverage modeling, simulation, and software development expertise.
• Support agile development processes, managing prototype architecture, design, and technical implementation.
• Translate warfighter feedback into actionable development requirements and prioritize based on operational impact.
• Support exercise-based prototype evaluation, coordinating with Aerospace's Exercise Technical Lead as needed.
• Assist in coordinating prototype transition to programs of record, documenting capabilities, lessons learned, and sustainment requirements.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration among embedded personnel, technical teams, leadership, and customer stakeholders.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Leader – Technical Project Management:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or other technical field from a recognized institution.
• Six or more years of responsible professional engineering experience, including software development and/or modeling & simulation.
• Effective systems engineering and communication skills to identify problems, develop solutions, and assess risks.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with software development, modeling and simulation, or related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across technical teams and with operational customers.
• Willingness to support travel up to 15% of the time to operational locations.
• A current SSBI and possess a Top Secret/SCI clearance and access, issued by the U.S. 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:

• Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field.
• Prior experience developing and fielding operational prototypes or decision-support tools.
• Experience with agile development methodologies and rapid prototyping.
• Familiarity with space domain mission areas (e.g., space domain awareness, electromagnetic warfare, missile warning, SATCOM).
• Experience working directly with military or government operational users to gather requirements and iterate capabilities.
• Understanding of DoD acquisition processes and transition pathways for prototype-to-program-of-record efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively with limited supervision.
• Strong customer-oriented attitude with outstanding skills coordinating exchanges between technical staff and operational users.
• Current applicable SAP/SAR accesses.

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.