Systems and Mission Assurance 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 Launch Systems Division (LSD) delivers innovative, mission-critical solutions across military, and commercial space programs, partnering directly with organizations like the U.S. Space Force, NASA, DARPA and NRO. Within LSD, our Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering team serves as the technical backbone for high-visibility space procurement and prototype programs, translating complex mission requirements into actionable engineering guidance.

We are looking for a Systems and Mission Assurance Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer) to join a team supporting the U.S. Space Force's Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program office, shaping next-generation capabilities in satellite refueling, space tugs, orbital debris mitigation, and cislunar operations. This role sits at the intersection of cutting-edge space technology and mission assurance, directly influencing how LSD advances the Space Force's future on-orbit servicing capabilities.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team within the SML Program Office on program management and systems engineering
• Coordinate and provide engineering support for SML prototype contract(s)
• Provide technical expertise to support SML procurement strategy
• Develop SML interface documents and standards
• Communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, Space Force, and contractor teams

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering:

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in Engineering or STEM-related technical area of study
• 8 or more years of professional growth and related experience with space vehicle hardware
• Some demonstrated understanding and experience with space vehicle design, assembly, testing, operations, and analysis
• Track record in coordinating or participating on multi-disciplinary technical teams
• Some demonstrated ability to work independently and directly with customers in a dynamic environment with a geographically dispersed team
• Ability to travel as needed (mostly domestic)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government.  U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering include:

• 12 or more years of professional growth and related experience with space vehicle hardware
• Demonstrated understanding and experience with space vehicle design, assembly, integration, testing, operations, and analysis
• Experience in coordinating and leading on multi-disciplinary technical teams
• Ability to work independently and directly with customers in a dynamic environment with a geographically dispersed team

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Active/current Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Expertise in design, analysis, and testing of spacecraft hardware
• Hands-on experience working with small prototype space vehicles
• Experience with Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD)
• Strong foundational knowledge of satellite orbital mechanics and optimization techniques
• Experience with DoD requirements, budgeting, and procurement processes
• Experience collaborating with the USSF, NASA, NRO/OSL and industry partners

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.