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.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence,  process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our IC, DoD, and civilian customers.

Join us as a Test Engineer – (Systems & Systems Test Engineering) on the C3 Engineering and Operations Department team at The Aerospace Corporation! Focusing on the applications of these technologies, the Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Engineering & Operations Department (CEOD) staff provide operationally-focused engineering solutions for space enterprise C3 systems, missions, and processes in support of these We deliver systems engineering support for missions and C2 system development; lead system and software test planning and execution campaigns; support ground system and architecture improvement efforts; influence future electronic warfare, space data transport (SDT), command and control (C2), and missile warning investments; provide operational C2 expertise for future systems; and, provide technical and operational experience with fielded space systems and real missions. Do you want to have a positive impact on the present and future space enterprise?

Work Model

Hybrid: This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in Colorado Springs, CO as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising customers like Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), Space Systems Command (SSC), and Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC) on technical and analytical approaches, force design, and operational and development test planning, design, execution, and reporting.
• Providing systems engineering and integration expertise in defining and developing a mission, organizational, physical, functional, signal, hardware/software, and operational interfaces.
• Ensuring space and ground system requirements are verifiable during the requirements definitions phase.
• Providing development and operational test and integration expertise to support assessment of suitability, survivability, mission performance envelopes for space warfighting capabilities.
• Recommending test strategies that incorporate the latest test and integration practices.
• Developing high-level test methodologies
• Evaluating test plans and approach.  Supporting and/or leading test execution, data evaluation, anomaly and deficiency resolution, and residual risk assessment for operationally realistic performance testing.
• Ensuring space-ground and internal interfaces are appropriately tested and evaluated, to include building software tools and/or spreadsheets.
• Working across space mission and program boundaries to identify common program challenges and risks, provide enterprise recommendations, and lead issues to closure
• Working closely and effectively with external partners in integrated product teams that include government, industry, and FFRDC members.
• Communicating effectively with customers and management through timely reporting of technical issues, analysis reports, and recommendations.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist - (Systems & Systems Test Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution in engineering, mathematics, or technical science.
• 8 or more years of experience in space systems, ground systems, or systems engineering
• 3 or more years as a test engineer.
• Familiarity with missile warning and missile defense.
• Familiarity with STARCOM, SSC, and SWAC customers.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Active Secret security clearance; eligible for Top Secret SCI  and SAP/SAR.
• Willing to travel approximately 25%.  

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist - (Systems & Systems Test Engineering include:

• 12 or more years of relevant career experience.
• Demonstrated test engineering leadership in previous programs.
• Test engineering experience in multiple mission areas.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree from a recognized institution in an applicable STEM concentration.
• Experience in agile, project management, model-based systems engineering, digital engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience working in and/or managing geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated software development proficiency in object-oriented programming languages (C++, Python, Java, etc.).
• Experience with other mission areas like Space Domain Awareness (SDA); intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); command and control (C2); satellite communications (SATCOM) or space data transport; and position, navigation, and timing (PNT).
• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI access and/or SAP/SAR 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)

$117,300 - $175,900

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.