Space Systems 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.

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.

Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists 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 Space Systems Engineer (Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineering)  in the Responsive Space Branch within the Space Innovation Directorate (SID) will support all of the critical space systems for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The Space RCO is rapidly developing and fielding highly classified critical space capabilities for the space enterprise. The Space Systems Engineer will actively participate in all phases of a space system lifecycle to ensure operationally dominant space capabilities are delivered at the speed of warfighting relevance. This includes technical support for requirements development, design, assembly, integration, test, launch, operations, and fielding.  In addition to providing direct program office support, the Space Systems Engineer will coordinate Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) support to each of the programs as needed.

Work Model

This is a 100% onsite role based at Aerospace in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinate with Government, SETA, and contractor teams to field highly classified critical systems
• Support program reviews, design, development, test, and transition to operations efforts
• Work closely with Program Managers (O-5)
• Routinely present status updates to Senior Material Leaders (O-6) and Space RCO Director (SES-2)
• Identify risk areas and mitigation efforts to meet mission objectives
• Participate in the Aerospace Space RCO Enterprise Team (ASET) and the Space RCO Enterprise Engineering Group (EEG)
• Assemble ETG teams in support of program milestones
• Lead ETG reviews, coordinating subject matter expert (SME) input to program offices
• Performing program read-ins
• Hosting Aerospace senior leadership for program updates
• Coordinating customer laboratory tours
• Integrating and demonstrating all aspects/functions/capability of the Aerospace Corporation in implementing the mission portfolio through virtual teaming, backplane engagement, ETG matrix, etc.
• Work closely with members of a diverse team of military, government civilians, prime contractors, SE&I contractors, FFRDCs and National Laboratories

What You Need to be Successful – (Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineering)

Minimum Requirements:

• BS degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences is required or an equivalent combination of training and experience 
• 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering, program management, or other space related technical fields.
• Demonstrated ability to form and lead teams 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel 
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information 
• Travel is required (less than 25%)
• This position requires the ability to have and maintain a current TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Working knowledge of expertise from across the Aerospace corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations with the ability to support customer needs 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in technical subject area (engineering, science or math) 
• Systems Engineering experience with rapid operational systems
• An excellent personal technical reputation and a record of personal technical achievement
• Program office and management experience 

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)

$151,300 - $226,900

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.