Space Combat Power Operations 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.

Aerospace’s Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space system 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.

We are looking for a Space Combat Power Operations Lead (Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) in the Special Programs Division. This Division supports a broad array of Space Combat Power missions delivering warfighting capabilities needed for space superiority. The main customer will be the Space Combat Power (SCP) PAE and all included programs. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition, and research and technology for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities. As the Senior Project Engineer, you will directly support multiple acquisition programs on their mission integration tasks; with a primary program being your day-to-day responsibility.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Colorado Springs, CO, or El Segundo, CA

What you’ll be doing

• Leveraging your knowledge of the space domain, functions of Joint Space Forces, space domain awareness (SDA), space control, space-based sensing and targeting, spacecraft operations, and satellite communications to inform acquisition processes and timelines
• Translating operational needs into acquisition requirements
• Interfacing with acquisition organizations to aid their understanding of operational concepts of employment, tactics, techniques, procedures, and operations requirements to facilitate operational system utility across the DOTMLPF-P framework
• Serving as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert on air, space, and cyber operations
• Serving as a trusted problem solver and leader
• Validating system concepts with the operations community

What You Need to be Successful- Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or other applicable degree
• Typically, 12 or more years of experience in relevant engineering/technical/operational aspects of National Security Space (NSS) systems
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary systems engineering activities for space systems
• Proven experience taking initiative and delivering on commitments
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment, foster effective relationships, and be responsive to management/customer requests
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 20%
• This position requires a Current TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to obtain additional clearances, which are issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master’s degree or greater from an accredited program in science, technology, engineering, or national security; space systems engineering/operations (e.g. Naval Postgraduate School)
• Graduate of the United States Air Force Weapons School
• 12 or more years of experience in space operations
• Demonstrated background in leading teams in all major aspects of space operations
• Knowledgeable of space control programs, orbital warfare concept of operations, and related mission areas 
• Familiarity with doctrinal aspects of space operations, dynamic space operations, and appropriate joint publications (e.g. JP 3-0, JP-3-09, JP 3-14, JP 3-60, etc.)
• Familiarity with Joint Functions (e.g. command and control, intelligence, fires, etc.)
• Current SCI and SAP/SAR 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)

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.