Systems of Systems Engineer-SATCOM

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

We are looking for a Systems of Systems Engineer-SATCOM (Engineering Specialist/Sr. Engineering Specialist) to join the The System-of-Systems Engineering (SOSE) Office. SOSE provides a wide array of architectural and portfolio analysis capabilities and integrates expertise and other system analysis and design capabilities from across the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) to support our customers’ most challenging acquisition, portfolio, enterprise, and cross-system architectural decisions.

Work Model:

This is a full-time, 100% on-site position based in Colorado Springs, CO or Albuquerque, NM.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing broadband and narrowband technical and analytical support to the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC) in the portfolio decision support, risk analysis and enterprise portfolio planning areas
• Educating the SATCOM and Joint community on the impact and transition to new communications architectures articulated in the SWAC Future Force Design
• Developing, fostering and maintaining relationships with customers to better understand their portfolio gaps and challenges
• Defining analytic tasks to address customer portfolio gaps
• Facilitating the deployment and implementation of Aerospace/Industry developed digital engineering tools and frameworks with both internal and government customers
• Identifying new capabilities and enhancements to current digital engineering capabilities to better support emerging needs in the areas of MBSE, enterprise integration and system of systems engineering
• Reaching across the Aerospace Engineering Backplane to obtain required expertise

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist position

• Undergraduate degree in engineering, science, or mathematics from an accredited program
• 8 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/technical experience, including experience in a systems engineering, and/or program management environment
• Familiarity with legacy and emerging satellite communications systems (WGS, Transponded SATCOM, Starlink)
• Experience in portfolio-level analysis and architecting activities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
• Good communication skills and the ability to document and identify potential challenges, gaps and recommendations on solving identified issues
• A foundation in Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE), understanding the key concepts and how to employ them in a complex environment
• Experience in independently conducting long-range technical and programmatic studies and developing report findings and recommendations
• Willing to travel domestically 1-2 times a year
• This position requires a the ability to obtain TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the Senior Engineering Specialist requires:

• Advanced degree in science, math, or engineering
• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments
• Demonstrated successful leadership of portfolio-level analysis and architecting activities
• Demonstrated successful leadership of broad, multidisciplinary teams involving cost analysis, schedule analysis, risk analysis, portfolio-level trade studies, or budget build support

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Current TS/SCI clearance with Counter-Intelligence Polygraph
• Advanced degree in engineering, science, or mathematics from an accredited program
• Prior experience with Portfolio Analysis and/or Digital Engineering tools and processes
• Strong knowledge of systems-of-systems (SoS) engineering and enterprise architecting and model-based system engineering (MBSE) discipline (e.g Cameo), literature, tools, and processes
• Extensive knowledge of the breadth and depth of ETG's technical capabilities and customer base to include USSF, DOD, NASA, NOAA, ODNI, NGA, and NRO.   

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 - Mid - Max)

$103,300 - $152,100 - $200,900

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 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.