Space Segment 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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor 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.

The GEOINT Futures Office (GFO) Space Vehicle (SV) Department supports the design and acquisition of a complex National Intelligence electro-optical spacecraft. In this position you will serve as a Space Segment Systems Engineer coordinating Aerospace activities across a broad spectrum of technical areas to support the design, manufacture, integration, test, and evaluation of a complex national security space system.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting development and execution of the enterprise technical framework, including the architectural realization, design development, verification, and CONOPs maturation

• Leading space segment support to requirement ownership and verification

• Independently assessing, identifying, and mitigating risks to the space segment integration activities and ensuring information sharing among various IPTs

• Providing independent verification and validation efforts by leveraging personal knowledge and the expertise of supporting subject matter experts

• Providing integrated advice to the government customer staff team and your Aerospace peers

• Generating periodic written reports and presentations to customer and Aerospace management

• Supporting close and frequent interaction with government customer, SETA, and contractor personnel

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field

• 4 years of relevant experience in space segment systems engineering

• Effective systems engineering and analysis skills to identify problems, develop solutions and assess risk

• Ability to lead and coordinate the activities of teams of technical staff to develop complex space enterprise solutions

• Willing to travel to Aerospace and contractor facilities throughout CONUS approx. one week per month

• This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is 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 Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field

• Prior experience providing direct engineering support to the development of space system or similarly complex hardware

• Prior experience supporting systems engineering activities in the intelligence community

• Prior experience supporting the design and development phases for a national security space program

• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with contractor personnel

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.