Space Data Network Payload Systems 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, 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 Material 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.

The Advanced Systems and Integration team within DSG is responsible for systems engineering oversight, technical requirements development, and management of the technical execution for the Space Data Network (SDN) program’s Enterprise Space Terminal (EST) laser communications development effort.  We are seeking an innovative electro-optic Space Data Network Payload Systems Engineer with a strong background in spacecraft and payload interface development, including mechanical, electrical, and software elements of electro-optic payload and host platform interfaces.  This unique position will serve as a key member of the EST payload engineering team and will collaborate with SDN program counterparts as well as external stakeholders.  This position is for a technical and acquisition role within an integrated program office of USSF military and civilians, Aerospace, and SE&I contractors.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as the EST program’s lead electro-optic payload integrator to support the integration of laser communication payloads on SDN satellites and other government stakeholder systems.
• Advise the SDN government customer in developing, assessing, and evaluating compliance with key technical requirements.
• Lead a diverse team of technical experts within Aerospace ETG to manage and mitigate all technical risks that arise throughout the entire acquisition life cycle
• Ensure effective collaboration and communication across SDN, related Aerospace program offices and Aerospace ETG staff
• Establish and maintain the confidence and trust of the government customer

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Electro-Optical and Payload Systems Engineering include:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physical science or related technical degree.

• 8 or more years or more of engineering experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or program management environment.
• Experience presenting results, concepts, and technical content to internal customers, external customers and stakeholders possessing diverse technical backgrounds
• Experience building and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with internal and external organizations such as the government customer, Aerospace, contractors, or related stakeholders.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Willing to travel domestically (approximately 20%)  
• This position requires a Top Secret/SSBI/SCI security clearance to interview, with the ability to obtain and maintain additional security clearances, which are issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Project Engineer – Electro-Optical and Payload Systems Engineering include:

• 12 or more years or more of engineering experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or program management environment.
• A proven ability to take initiative and lead teams
• Experience with coordinating matrixed engineering support and/or technical subject matter experts (e.g. Aerospace ETG personnel)

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physical science or related technical degree.
• Experience with space-based laser communications systems and/or satellite payload integration
• Understanding of mission assurance processes
• Proficient with DoD acquisition processes
• Current or previous accesses to Special Access Programs

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.