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Sr. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Missile Warning, Tracking & Defense Space Vehicle & Communication Subsystem 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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers and horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.  

As the Sr. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Missile Warning, Tracking & Defense Space Vehicle & Communication Subsystem Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the transition to a new Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) MEO/LEO architecture. You'll guide USSF MEO acquisition on MW/MT/MD by overseeing multiple spacecraft subsystem design, development, integration and test activities to ensure success of the incremental fielding strategy. You will provide both technical and programmatic support for a successful Epoch 1 Initial Warfighting Capability MEO constellation and planning for follow-on Epoch increments. 

 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA.  

 

What You’ll Be Doing 

  • Deliver technical expertise to the Government’s SSC Resilient MW/MT/MD Acquisition Delta space segment program manager and staff 

  • Engage Government leaders, SETA contractors, development contractors, and Missile Warning/Tracking community partners to align space vehicle development and CONOPS with operational needs 

  • Conduct technical reviews of design artifacts supporting space vehicle and bus subsystem development, rapid fielding, and on-orbit operations 

  • Support space vehicle integration of OPIR mission and communication payloads for system level testing and launch  

  • Execute the program’s Digital Engineering strategy and integrate MBSE models with mission level modeling and simulation 

  • Leverage Aerospace's subject matter experts to deliver objective, data-driven assessments 

  • Coordinate with MEO payload, ground, and system engineering teams to meet program execution and delivery timelines 

  • Assess risk, schedule, and cost trades to enable timely delivery of capabilities while meeting mission objectives 

 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements Sr. Project Engineer – Multi-disciplinary Engineering: 

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related technical field 

  • Typically 12 or more years of engineering/scientific experience in acquisition planning, analysis, and development of national security space systems 

  • Proven success working effectively and innovatively in multidisciplinary teams to develop and field space systems or spaceflight prototypes 

  • Experience developing spacecraft subsystems and expertise in space vehicle level integration, testing and fielding  

  • Familiarity with Digital Engineering concepts and Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) tools 

  • Expertise assessing space vehicle architecture and subsystem design elements including structures, communications and data handling, guidance navigation and control, electrical power, propulsion, and payloads 

  • Strong collaboration skills to build effective relationships with Government customers and partners to consistently deliver high-quality products under tight deadlines 

  • Current Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance 

  • Up to 10% travel 

How You Can Stand Out 

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

  •  Advanced STEM degree 

  • Space systems acquisition experience 

  • Strong understanding of Missile Warning (MW), Missile Tracking (MT), Missile Defense (MD), and Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) mission areas 

  • Experience developing or operating multi-satellite crosslinked constellations 

  • Knowledge of prototype and Class C mission acquisition/assurance 

  • MBSE model development experience 

  • Familiarity with the national security space enterprise 

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
Aerospace Engineering
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Los Angeles AFB, CA
Posted
Mar 31, 2026, 08:00 PM
Listed
Apr 1, 2026, 08:52 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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Sr. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Missile Warning, Tracking & Defense Space Vehicle & Communication Subsystem Engineer
The Aerospace Corporation
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