Sr. Project Engineer - Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office

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, development planning, system of system engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future of space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise.  DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including 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 services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.  DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control and range systems.

This position will fall within our Agile Acquisitions Division and will provide support to the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO).  The Senior Project Engineer (Communications Systems and Payload Systems Engineering – RF) will provide technical expertise and engineering support in the development and fielding of critical capabilities.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Applying multi-discipline technical, payload, communications, and systems engineering expertise to solve the nation’s greatest challenges and to assure mission success and timely fielding of cutting-edge space system capabilities
• Designing, modeling, simulating, testing, analyzing and evaluating communications systems, subsystems and electronic signals and related technologies in the development of communication networks, data links, signals transmission and processing, command and control and mission management systems
• Applying knowledge of communications systems, modulation schema, signal coding, digital and wireless radio/communications technology, network architecture design and related concepts, methods, techniques and tools to develop, refine and integrate complex communications systems and architectures
• Conducting research, design, development and testing of electrical or mechanical hardware, software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with space systems and payloads
• Supporting and evaluating the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype electromechanical and other technical systems and recommending various technology options or approaches for system, processes, facility or program improvements in terms of safety, performance, efficiency or costs
• Analyzing and evaluating engineering and technical data, to identify shortfalls, develop design alternatives and provide risk assessments for Comm, RF and other technical systems
• Collaborating and interfacing with a wide array of organizations and personnel to review and coordinate design specifications and engineering products to address design and integration issues and formulate alternatives across a wide range of cross-discipline engineering areas
• Supporting the development, testing and operational fielding of complex space capabilities including detailed engineering of parts, payloads, complete end-to-end systems, architectures and overall mission designs using a variety of analytic tools and systems to assess alternatives and maximize performance
• Advising the Government on the trades associated with up-front alternative analyses and recommend capability and risk-based courses of action considering operational, technical, and acquisition factors

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer – Communications Systems and Payload Systems Engineering - RF:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or other applicable degree
• 12 or more years of relevant engineering/technical/operational/system fielding experience
• Possesses unique combination of hardware, embedded software, electronics, electro-mechanical and electro-optical design engineering expertise
• Experience designing, developing systems, subsystems and electronic signals for communication networks, data links, digital radio, battle management, command and control systems and related technologies
• Experience conducting payload analysis, modeling and simulation, and communications and signals analysis to inform system and architecture design and technical trades
• Experience with development and integration of DoD and/or IC space system payloads, capabilities, missions, and/or programs in standard and rapid acquisition environments
• Experience designing, developing and evaluating technical mission software and firmware supporting various space systems and payloads
• Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced & dynamic environment and to work complex problems without clear point solutions
• Stellar verbal and written communication skills including the ability to engage and effectively communicate
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10-20% of the time
• This position requires a current TS/SCI security clearance and SAP/SAR accesses, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain
• This position requires working full time in a secure facility

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Masters or PhD from an accredited program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or other applicable degree
• Experience/expertise designing and developing phased array and RF system electronics for space and ground mission applications
• Experience/expertise conducting detailed technical analysis designing and developing mission payloads and architectures for a wide variety of orbital regimes and mission applications
• Experience conducting high fidelity antenna simulations and associated performance analysis
• Experience working on Rapid Acquisition programs with USAF, USSF, NRO, or others

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.