Senior Space Systems Engineering Lead

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical adviser to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

We seek a Senior Space Systems Engineering Lead (Senior Project Leader – Systems Engineering – Acquisition and Systems Engineering) for system conceptualization, implementation, and program management support to a dynamic and growing US Government customer. This space professional will lead technical concept development and operational implementation of a program portfolio, including unique, highly sensitive programs in new mission areas.  In this Senior Project Leader role, you will be expected to show – through leadership engagement – innovation and contributions to the long-term success of our mission-critical endeavors.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at a customer facility in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as the senior technical authority and integration leader for a multi-phase, multi-disciplinary space systems engineering effort
• Promote collaboration across the Aerospace enterprise to ensure optimal integration of technical solutions
• Lead both concept-level and implementation-level systems engineering to effectively integrate space-related systems and technologies across government partners
• Create mission focused tasks for the Aerospace technical matrix, advocate for them with the Sponsor, and identify and manage the support
• Elicit requirements for space-related solutions based on broad Sponsor mission objectives
• Support the sponsor’s coordination among Intelligence Community partners, associated contractors, and development contractors
• Advise key stakeholders—including senior customer leadership and program management—by providing insight on technical risks, issues, opportunities, and risk mitigation strategies

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Project Leader – Systems Engineering – Acquisition and Systems Engineering:

• Bachelors or advanced degree from an accredited program in a physical science, engineering, or relevant STEM field
• 12 or more years of relevant industry work experience in systems engineering /architecting of solutions in the space and communications domains
• At least 5 years relevant experience in the conceptualization and implementation of space-based capabilities to achieve mission
• At least 5 years supporting US Space Force and broader DoD mission areas, including both capabilities and operational insight
• Proven expertise in system anomaly root-cause investigation and solution development
• Demonstrated history of successful collaboration with internal matrix support organizations, Sponsors, external mission partners, and with associated and development contractors
• Demonstrated solid ability to convey complex technical topics both orally and in writing. Effectively adapts communication style for varied audiences, ensuring clear understanding among technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Willing to travel domestically, approximately 10%
• Strong experience with the SPD Sponsor and/or mission area
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, 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:

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in a physical science, engineering, or relevant STEM field
• Proven advanced expertise in communicating intricate technical concepts with precision and impact. Skilled at tailoring messages for diverse audiences, including senior Sponsor leadership, while translating detailed technical data into actionable, mission-relevant insights 
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with multiple space-related technical disciplines, particularly in delivering resilient space mission solutions
• Prior experience in a dynamic program office with regular customer engagement
• Proven design-through-disposal expertise in missions within the space domain
• Hands-on experience with dynamic space mission concept design—integrating aspects such as RPO, PNT, and satellite architecture—to develop mission-enabling solutions
• A history of identifying capability gaps and formulating enterprise-level technical trade studies and investment strategies.

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.