System Architect

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.

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 Space Architecture Department (SAD) provides technical expertise and leadership in architecture methods, processes, and tools to a broad range of customers, including National Security Space (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, and others. System Architect (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Systems Engineering) participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full scale acquired systems to complex systems of systems to missions and enterprises. SAD applies and develops disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition, operational, and enterprise management decisions.

Work Model: This is an on-site position based in Colorado Springs, CO.  In-person presence will be required for customer meetings and classified work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will design and develop system of systems and enterprise engineering MBSE models, that include threat models and Blue capabilities in response to the threat models

• You will develop and integrate analytical methods and tools to evaluate program and mission strategic concepts to influence solution conceptual designs for performance, risk, and resilience to disruptive events or threats

• You will develop architecture for modeling, simulation, and data tools and their interactions, defining concepts of operations and use cases, to ensure that intended objectives are met

• You will develop models and analysis to identify risks on new capabilities.  The analysis will include strategic assessments, operations, resources, networks, and data across the national security space enterprise.  The recommendations will inform customer decisions on priorities, funding, requirements, and resourcing for organizations, systems, and training

• You will join project teams comprising Aerospace, customer, and contractor personnel on multiple concurrent projects to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies and marshal technical expertise in multiple technical disciplines and domains to enable concurrent engineering approaches, mentoring peers as part of the role

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirement for System Architect Senior Member of Technical Staff - Systems Engineering

• You must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field, or a Bachelor’s degree and equivalent technical experience

• Relevant work and/or graduate school experience, typically 3-5 years, in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, model-based systems engineering, or digital engineering

• Relevant work and/or graduate school experience, typically 3-5 years, in space systems or nuclear weapons systems

• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaborators

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications

• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects

• Ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter experts

• You must be available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10%

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI 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:

• Advanced degree in engineering, math, science, or related technical discipline

• More relevant work and/or graduate school experience, greater than 3 years, in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, model-based systems engineering in Cameo or Sparx, or digital engineering

• More relevant work and/or graduate school experience, greater than 3 years, in space systems or nuclear weapons systems

• Hands-on experience with system or enterprise modeling in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM)

• Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products

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)

$100,300 - $150,400

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.