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Software Architecture and Systems Engineer

Compensation
$151,300–$226,900/year

Job Description

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. 

 

The Cross-Mission Effectiveness Department (CMED) in the Integrated Performance Subdivision leads integration and application of modeling and simulation capabilities and modern analysis workflows to support end-to-end effects chain analysis and space and space-enabled campaign modeling. As an engineering specialist within CMED, you will directly contribute to technical capabilities that support our customers in modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) of space, air, and ground-based systems to investigate architecture and concept of operations (CONOPS) performance in nominal and contested operating environments. MS&A focus areas include agent-based modeling, red vs blue simulations, military utility and capability drawdown, kill chain effectiveness, enterprise architecture resiliency, and command and control (C2) evaluation. The work our software engineers perform is vital to giving our analysts the tools they need to deliver timely and accurate products to our customers, as well as pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible in our MS&A efforts. 

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

 

What You’ll Be Doing 

  • Work closely with industry leading engineers and scientists to develop maintainable, high-performance applications and M&S capabilities. 

  • Coordinate with analysts to deliver timely software improvements and capabilities to meet the demand of fast-paced analysis efforts.  

  • Collaborate across departments to lead integration of new and existing capabilities. 

  • Prepare and present technical briefings for program offices and customers. 

  • Develop documentation and guidelines for successful usage of M&S tools by analysts and customers. 

  • Mentor junior staff members on technical and professional development subjects and contribute to a learning environment where it is encouraged to share ideas and feedback. 

 

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Engineering Specialist – Software Architecture and Systems Software Engineering 

Minimum Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in computer science, aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. 

  • Ten or more years of experience with software engineering, collaborative software development, numerical methods, and/or physics-based modeling. 

  • Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with scripting languages such as MATLAB and Python. 

  • Experience with version control tools such as git. 

  • Experience in distributed frameworks, API development, and cloud technologies 

  • Ability to work independently and cooperatively within a team and manage multiple simultaneous tasks. 

  • Demonstrate strong work ethic, self-motivation, and willingness to take initiative. 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

  • Willingness to travel occasionally according to business needs. 

  • This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/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: 

  • Advanced degree in a STEM field 

  • Experience with a toolkit or framework including or similar to AFSIM or STK 

  • Familiarity or expertise in sensor phenomenology such as SIGINT, SAR, EO, and OTHR as well as their application in space-based domains 

  • Direct experience with agent-based modeling, red vs blue simulations, military utility and capability drawdown, and kill chain assessments. 

  • Experience developing and presenting analysis results to internal and government customers. 

  • Current and active Top-Secret Clearance (TS) with SCI access 

 

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)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

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 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.

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Job Details

Category
Software
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
El Segundo, CA
Posted
Mar 19, 2026, 08:00 PM
Listed
Mar 20, 2026, 01:48 PM
Compensation
$151,300 - $226,900 per year

About The Aerospace Corporation

Part of the growing space & AI ecosystem pushing the frontiers of technology.

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Software Architecture and Systems Engineer
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