Sr. Project Engineer - National Security Space Launch (NSSL)

This position is for the lead Aerospace advisor for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) technical and analytic support within the Pentagon in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration (SAF/SQ).  The selected candidate will provide strategic insights to the Government and serve as an on-site technical liaison for the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) Launch Enterprise Division program office under the Department of Air Force (DAF) Programs Subdivision of the Pentagon and Multi-Domain (PMD) Division within Defense Strategic Space (DSS).

Work Model

This position is primarily located at the Pentagon and will require in-office work on a regular basis.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform duties as the lead Aerospace advisor in the Pentagon for National Security Space Launch
• Support the Director, Global Space Power Projection Division on the SAF/SQS staff and assist the NSSL and RSLP Program Element Monitors (PEM) as directed
• Provide technical support to SAF/SQS, SAF/SQ, and SECAF for launch systems programs and initiatives
• Provide time-sensitive responses to staff questions on technical and programmatic launch systems issues
• Provide technical support in the development of position papers and official responses to Congress, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Intelligence Community (IC)
• Support the development of decision memoranda related to launch system acquisition
• Provide a conduit for SAF/SQS, DoD, and the IC to access Aerospace corporate and technical expertise

The selected candidate must work effectively in an onsite environment with the customer and have the ability to work with senior Government leaders, contractors, other government agencies, the various Aerospace program offices, and the Aerospace Engineering and Technical Group (ETG) to address issues and provide the Government with the best available technical and programmatic analyses.

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or other technical discipline
• Minimum of 12 years' experience in space launch systems engineering and/or operations. In particular, the qualified candidate should have a strong background in launch systems technologies, capabilities, and acquisition, an understanding of space systems development, and familiarity with Air Force/National Security Space budgetary and programmatic planning
• Experience in briefing senior Government leaders (General officer and/or SES)
• Demonstrated knowledge of current launch systems issues and/or prior program office experience
• Possess a thorough understanding of the roles played by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; the United States Space Force, U.S. Space Command; the space system program offices; the defense agencies; the Joint Staff; and other government organizations in the acquisition, management, and operation of the national security space enterprise
• Possess outstanding interpersonal skills and must be adept at oral and written communication
• Possess a proven ability to work effectively with senior government, military personnel, co-located FFRDC, and SETA contractors
• Proactive nature, self-starter, ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Working knowledge of Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) skills and capabilities
• Willing to travel domestically on occasion when required by the customer
• Current TS/SCI clearance is required, which is issued by the US 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 the following:  

• Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or other technical discipline
• Experience/familiarity with the capabilities associated with SAF/SQS
• Previous experience working with organizations in the Pentagon
• Experience in briefing senior Government leaders (General officer and/or SES)
• Broad technical and some specific experience relevant to supporting Aerospace's Pentagon customers 

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.