Sr. IT Architecture and 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 (IC) 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 are looking for a IT Architectures and Systems Engineer (Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineering – Acquisition and Systems Engineering to support the National Reconnaissance Office’s (NRO) COMM Directorate, Enterprise Management Office (EMO).  EMO is charged with establishing and improving systems engineering and readiness processes across the COMM enterprise and provides technical assessments and recommendations to the NRO CIO and COMM senior leadership.

Tasking for this position will be focused on coordinating and conducting analyses of mission architectures to ensure they meet necessary Information Technology (IT) capability and capacity requirements, determining COMM service and infrastructure capabilities will meet future mission system and resiliency requirements, and conducting assessments of mission system readiness against COMM requirements.  Tasks will frequently include leading projects, coordinating activities among other Aerospace and contractor teammates, presenting findings and recommendations, and responding to other technical support needs, as required. 

This position requires 100% on site work in Chantilly, VA

 
What You’ll Be Doing

• Analyze in-development mission system architectures to ensure IC compliance and alignment across DNI, NRO/CIO, and NRO Program Office equities as those architectures mature
• Guide EMO in mission partner outreach activities; assist in architectures analyses to match the capabilities/capacities of COMM services with mission requirements
• Apply specific technical knowledge in one or more COMM service domains (Networks, Transport, Hosting, Desktop, Cyber Security) in the comprehensive analysis of future space mission, ground system, and data architectures to determine the necessary COMM service and infrastructure capabilities required to support those architectures
• Assist COMM in technical, financial, and acquisition planning of IT service and infrastructure capabilities to support the development of next generation COMM architectures, facilitate delivery of mission systems, and meet resiliency requirements  
• Apply systems engineering expertise to assist EMO in performing independent assessments of mission system readiness; planning and executing readiness events for internal and external mission partners; and assisting partners through NRO- and IC-level readiness processes
• Act as lead technical expert in both internal and external customer forums; accurately represent customer and management perspectives as necessary
• Leverage the Aerospace ETG and Program Office "backplane" to collaborate across Group, Office, and Directorate boundaries to promote and ensure clean interfaces between internal and external customers
• Identify and lead matrixed Aerospace engineering staff and project teams for specified projects and studies; act as spokesperson for the team when presenting observations, results, and recommendations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering- Acquisition and Systems Engineering:

• This position requires the ability to have and maintain a current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• A bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related technical field from a recognized institution
• 10 or more years of relevant experience
• Experience developing and analyzing technical roadmaps and architectures, preferably in space system or enterprise IT service environments
• Experience providing engineering solutions, technical analysis, impact assessments, tradeoffs, and market research, preferably in enterprise IT service environments
• Hands-onexperience using and/or researching tools and platforms for developing enterprise architectures
• Background  integrating enterprise-level program requirements, schedules, deliveries, and budget plans
• Experience developing and reviewing key acquisition artifacts in both the pre-acquisition phase and during contract execution  
•  Ability to communicate complex information through written reports, verbal presentation, and one-on-one interactions 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• An advanced degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related technical field from a recognized institution
• Direct experience developing IC or NRO mission, system, or technology architectures 
• Experience implementing Model Based Systems Engineering frameworks and solutions
• Direct experience or familiarization with COMM service domain technologies
• Certifications in Enterprise Architecture and/or Systems Engineering 
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, company leadership, and matrixed engineering staff  

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.