Missile Warning, Tracking, Defense - System of Systems Test 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.

As a Missile Warning, Tracking, Defense System of Systems Test Engineer in the Space Based Sensing Division, you will provide system test support to the SSC Space Sensing Directorate Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) programs.

Work Model

This position has a hybrid work arrangement and based in El Segundo, CA or Aurora, CO. The position has an estimate of 3 days week of in-office work but depends on the needs of the customer.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide the Government with system test expertise and apply disciplined system test methods, processes, and tools to enable the effective system testing within the Missile Warning/Tracking/Defense Enterprise
• Participate in program status assessments and independent risk assessments that inform Government and Aerospace management of perceived system test issues and recommend courses of action
• Contribute to the Government’s oversight of and insight for contractor system test strategies and detailed planning for their system functional and performance testing for the ground, space, and combined ground-space capabilities
• Prepare briefings and reports to provide status and recommendations to the Government and Aerospace management on the technical assessments and analyses performed by Aerospace to support the system test process
• Interact regularly with Government teams, development contractors, and other collaborators across the Missile Warning/Tracking/Defense Enterprise
• Define critical system test decision points and milestones/events to ensure the successful transitioning of system capabilities from development to operations
• Contribute to the building of a MW/MT/MD enterprise test team to make an organizational/operational impact
• Support the recently established Missile Warning Integrated Test Force (ITF) activities related to the SSC Space Sensing Directorate programs

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field
• Minimum of 12 years of related professional engineering/scientific experience with at least 8 years of current space system test experience with national security space systems
• Significant involvement in and understanding of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Missile Warning, Missile Tracking, Missile Defense mission areas
• Extensive experience with enterprise/system requirements and lower-level requirements that will support verification/sell-off of higher-level requirements
• Strong foundational background/expertise in MW/MD/MT test planning and execution and evaluation of operational suitability, effectiveness, and survivability
• This position requires a current Secret security clearance, which is issued by the US Government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance
• Capability to travel (mainly California and Colorado)

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM area
• A current Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US Government
• Knowledge of Digital Engineering concepts and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and techniques
• Demonstrated capability to work in a highly dynamic program office environment with a mix of Government, FFRDC and SETA personnel

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.