Navigation and Positioning Systems Senior 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.

Job Description

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.

The Navigation and Positioning Systems Department (NPSD) is seeking a Navigation and Positioning Systems Senior Engineer (Senior Engineer Specialist - Modeling & Simulation Engineering) to provide technical leadership in position, navigation, and timing (PNT) force design activities for the Space Warfighting Analysis Center and Space Security and Defense Program customers. The position requires experience related to mission design; satellite navigation; rendezvous and proximity operations; cislunar domain; autonomous navigation; and space domain awareness. Additionally, the position requires strategic vision and the ability to engage with customers, define strategies for PNT architectures, and mentor junior staff. NPSD serves as a center-of-expertise in the development and advancement of PNT technologies for the national space enterprise.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide technical leadership in PNT to guide complex project or portfolio outcomes through innovation and expertise in support of National Security Strategy (NSS) and Civil/Commercial programs.

• Provide technical mentorship to early career staff and customer personnel.

• Advise key stakeholders and government customers by leading a range of navigation and space enterprise modeling, simulation, and analysis. Work will be in the focus areas of GNSS constellation management, precision/autonomous navigation systems, advanced space system navigation, PNT technologies, and enhancing the resilience of key mission areas in the space enterprise architecture.

• Conduct and lead technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders, Aerospace Program Office personnel and external customers including defense and civil agencies, such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, National Nuclear Security Administration, and others.

• Develop and present timely and technically accurate briefings and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions, supporting critical decisions in collaboration with technical leads, management, and customers.

• Lead and guide the development and maturation of analysis software tools, implementation of best practices, and analysis software tool modernization.

What You Need to be Successful Senior Engineer Specialist - Modeling & Simulation Engineering

Minimum Requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist:

• Master’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline.

• 12 years of relevant professional, technical work experience.

• Experience in one or more of the following modeling, simulation, and analysis subjects: orbit determination, orbit propagation, state estimation, orbit management systems, maneuver reconstruction, mission data processing, signal processing, space threats, resilient systems, advanced PNT technologies, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling.

• Ability to lead multiple programs and/or activities simultaneously, serving as a technical point-of-contact.

• A working knowledge of one or more of the following programming languages/tools would be beneficial: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, Java.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated technical team leadership skills.

• Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, 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 these:

• Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, and other personnel.

• Advanced degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field.

• Experience in satellite navigation topics, such as covariance analysis, satellite operations, relative navigation, rendezvous and proximity operations, formation flight, or space situational awareness.

• Experience in applied mathematical topics, such as optimization, statistical estimation, and numerical analysis.

• Demonstrated to have interpersonal, collaborative, written, and oral communication skills.

• Experience in spacecraft or launch operations.

• Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance.

• Current SAP 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 - 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.