Sr. Space Architectures 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 Materiel 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 Missile Defense Space Architectures department directly supports the Missile Defense Agency’s Space Capabilities office (DCS). As the primary interface to this component of MDA, we help our customer understand their acquisition and development requirements, coordinate and provide technical expertise through our extensive reachback model, and ensure success across a variety of projects. We are looking for a Space Architectures Systems Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering) to be embedded with our customer, supporting high-level architecture design and decision making, both within DCS and between DCS and other government entities (e.g. SWAC, JOG, MWTD CPO, GDA, etc.).

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting MDA Space Capabilities office (DCS) systems engineering activities across multiple programs
• Collaborating with the government team, including other FFRDC, UARC, and SETA personnel, to ensure mission success
• Interfacing with other government entities in cooperative design and architecture efforts
• Representing Aerospace as a technical authority in high-level planning and decision meetings

What You Need to be Successful -

Minimum Requirements Sr. Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering:

• Engineering, Math, or Science degree from a recognized higher education institution
• 12 or more years of professional experience in space vehicle systems
• Knowledge and experience in the development of space systems and payloads
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
• Effective oral and written communication skills and an ability to interact effectively with all levels of Aerospace, government, and contractor personnel
• Some travel is required
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, 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 engineering degree
• Knowledge and experience with Missile Defense and Missile Warning mission areas and operational architectures
• Demonstrated impact on fielded space system or demonstration

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.