Missile Warning Systems Engineer [Colorado Springs]

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.

Job Summary

The Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Engineering & Operations Department (CEOD) staff provide operationally-focused engineering solutions for space enterprise C3 systems, missions, and processes in support of our IC, DoD, and civilian customers. We influence future electronic warfare, space data transport (SDT), command and control (C2), and missile warning investments; deliver systems engineering support for missions and C2 system development; support ground system and architecture improvement efforts; lead system and software test planning and execution campaigns; provide operational C2 expertise for future systems; and, provide technical and operational experience with fielded space systems and real missions. Do you want to have a positive impact on the present and future space enterprise? Join us as an Enterprise Ground Systems Engineer on the C3 Engineering and Operations Department team at The Aerospace Corporation!

This position will be onsite in Colorado Springs, CO with some possibility for a hybrid work model.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC) leadership on technical and analytical approaches, force design, systems engineering, and development of future ground C2 and tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination (TCPED) systems for IC and DoD customers.
• Developing analytic plans and defining analytic tasks needed to understand missile warning mission needs and refine force designs.
• Analyzing mission data flows supporting closure of missile warning and missile tracking strategic and theater kill chains from sensor to shooter to include data formats, latencies, and system connections.
• Helping modernize ground systems and architectures for the future space enterprise.
• Working across space mission and program boundaries to identify common program challenges and risks, provide enterprise recommendations, and lead issues to closure.
• Identifying needed expertise and build analytic teams from Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) technical specialists to address customers’ key technical hard questions and challenges through data driven analysis.
• Working closely and effectively with external partners in integrated product teams that include government, contractor, and FFRDC members as an architectural thinker and thought leader.
• Communicating effectively with all levels of Corporate management through timely reporting of technical issues and recommendations.

This position can be filled as either an Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist, depending on experience.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements: Engineering Specialist

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution in engineering, mathematics, or technical science.
• 8 or more years of experience in missile warning system operations, systems engineering, or developing, analyzing missile warning systems.
• Familiarity with missile warning, missile defense, and nuclear detection mission areas.
• Familiarity with at least one of the following programs/agencies: NGG/NGP, SBIRS, FORGE, S2E2, NC3, MDA, and R2C2 (EGS).
• Ability to independently work and thrive in a fast-paced & dynamic environment and to work complex problems.
• Proven ability to lead technical analyses. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Active Secret security clearance; eligible for Top Secret SCI and SAP/SAR clearances.
• Ability for occasional travel.

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

• 12 or more years of relevant technical experience in missile warning systems development and acquisition, analysis, operations and/or program management.
• Proven ability to work within integrated Government, FFRDC, and SETA teams.
• Demonstrated strong technical leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• High level of creativity, initiative systems thinking, and innovation.
• 5 or more years of experience interfacing directly with customers.

How You Can Stand Out

We would be impressed if you have any of these experiences:

• Advanced [Masters, PhD] degree from a recognized institution in an applicable STEM concentration.
• Over 10 years of modeling, simulation, and analysis experience, with a strong background in space systems technologies, space architectural concepts, or joint warfighting operations.
• Experience working in SDA or with space-focused sensing programs, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the NC3 mission area, and/or the SBIRS constellation and FORGE efforts.
• Knowledge of military and commercial SATCOM missions, system designs, and operations
• Experience operating in an Agile, DevSecOps, or other advanced software development environment.
• Experience working with projects that incorporated digital engineering or model-based systems engineering.
• Experience working with the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, Space Security and Defense Program, US Space Force, US Space Command, or NRO customers.
• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI access and/or SAP/SAR access.

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 - $131,100 - $158,900

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.