CONOPS Modeling and Simulation Specialist

Job Summary

Do you want to make an impact that shapes the future of the most critical elements of the national security space enterprise? If so, join our department of dedicated and passionate analysis leaders at Aerospace! We are excited to solve tough problems and explore novel ideas, and we are driven to empower people to make a difference.  We are searching for scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to join our team of highly skilled technical specialists. Bring your performance up to the next level!

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!  

As a member of the System of Systems Modeling team, you will be providing technical capabilities to support our customers in modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) of space, air, and ground-based systems to investigate architecture performance and validate concepts of operations (CONOPS) in nominal and contested operating environments.  MS&A focus areas may include agent-based modeling, opposing force conflict simulations, military utility analysis, capability attrition, military target tracking effectiveness, and command and control (C2) evaluation.

Work Model: 100% onsite at one of the three major Aerospace Corporation locations in El Segundo, Chantilly, VA, or Colorado Springs, CO or hybrid with up to one day per week of remote work.

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Independently assemble and lead skilled teams of multi-discipline studies and analysis experts, coordinate complex technical tasks among team members, translate customer needs into project objectives and instructions for analysts and developers, track performance, review work products for quality and accuracy, and complete projects.
• Use and contribute to development of in-house and commercial- and government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools.
• Conduct technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders, Aerospace program office personnel, and external customers to define and address customer needs.
• Develop and present timely and technically-accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers
• Provide expert advice on customer architectures and CONOPS, including related space and ground systems and supporting technologies.
• Build and maintain a strong base of customers and collaborators for the section through effective working relationships with cross-organization partners, government customers, and contractor teammates.
• Travel occasionally to support customer efforts.

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements: 

• B.S. Degree in engineering (aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical), computer science, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering
• 4 years of professional experience
• Skilled in at least one of the following functional areas: use of computer-aided simulations and analysis of systems or development of software for the simulation of systems.
• Working knowledge in two or more of these specific national security or intelligence mission areas: communications infrastructure, space surveillance, space protection, spacecraft ground systems, or multi-phenomenology remote sensing techniques.
• A history that shows personal accountability, a willingness to learn and self-correct, and an ability to adapt to changing customer expectations.
• Aptitude in astrodynamics or space operations.
• Demonstrated skills in the development and use of engineering-level computer software tools including or similar to code in Python, C++, or MATLAB.
• This position requires the 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:

• Direct experience with the activities listed in the “job summary” or “what you’ll be doing” sections above, associated with either the U.S. Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community.
• A graduate degree in the fields of study mentioned above, or equivalent, successful, firsthand work history in the functional areas or mission areas listed above.
• Experience with a multi-domain modeling and simulation toolkit or framework like STK, GMAT, or AFSIM
• Meaningful and consistent contribution to a substantial technical analysis or development project
• Extensive knowledge of Intelligence Community or U.S. Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios.
• Current SCI Access with a current Counter-Intelligence (CI) polygraph.

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.