Software Engineering Lab Lead

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 member of the Missile Defense Agency, you will provide technical and management oversight in support of information assurance and security management functions to Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Programs in El Segundo, California. Survey management and technical staff classified computing and data processing needs, develop and execute project plans that fulfill staff classified computing, information systems and physical access, including site visit requests.  Assist management team in the planning and budgeting of program office and ETG Special Purpose Plant Equipment (SPPE), facility and equipment proposal development, and lead Aerospace resources in development of data processing lab spaces.

Work Model

This position is located in El Segundo; although some responsibilities can be performed remotely, a majority of the work performed will be on-site. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinating access to classified processing systems and facilities for the Missile Systems Design & Assurance (MSDA) organizations.
• Integrating Aerospace and customer secure network activities with all stake holders throughout implementation, authorization, operation, maintenance, and disestablishment of these classified information systems.
• Performing data transfers for users between systems of like and differing classification levels.
• Managing equipment and media inventory for classified labs.
• Managing the acquisition of classified system accounts and SIPR Token for engineers supporting MDA.
• Reviews, develops, and implements security plans for existing and new computer assets.
• Training staff on classified system and facility processing procedures.
• Coordinating and managing space access based on program scheduling needs and priorities.
• Assisting staff with resolving classified connectivity issues between differing sites
• Coordinating access to closed areas to on-site visitors with temporarily assigned analysts.
• Communicate regularly with Aerospace and Government customers to obtain status of requests and facilitate completion of requests.
• Performs cost / benefit analysis comparison of cloud, virtual private network, dedicated hosting, and in-house solutions.
• Identifies portions of the organization’s IT platform / infrastructure with the highest potential return for cloud deployment.
• Collaborates with other groups to deliver cloud-based solutions. Applies knowledge of cloud computing concepts, approaches, methods, tools and technology.

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer - Cloud Computing Architecture & Cyber Security Architecture

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or other sciences/engineering discipline
• Ten or more years of engineering experience
• One or more years of experience in the acquisition, development, or sustainment of classified information systems.
• Five or more years of relevant experience directly related to developing and delivering complex large-scale distributed software systems solutions and technical products
• Expert knowledge of policies and practices related to classified information systems.
• Must possess strong organizational skills, be detailed oriented and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Work with leadership teams to develop and implement strategic priorities for Lab development and sustainment.
• Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations. 
• Knowledge of government security regulations. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• This position requires a secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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 from an accredited university in Computer Science or other science/engineering discipline
• Expert experience in scientific computing (e.g. machine learning, numerical simulation, computer vision, computational physics) and related hardware
• Ten or more years of administering mission-critical multiuser Linux servers.
• Experience leading or participating in projects involving one or more of the following areas: Vulnerability Assessment, Cyber Security Architecture, Cyber Security Prototype/Capability Development, cyber system trade-off studies for various system designs, validation of network system requirements.
• Demonstrated experience performing cost/benefit analysis comparison of cloud, virtual private network, dedicated hosting and in-house solutions
• Current TS/SCI, or the ability to obtain one

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)

$166,400 - $249,600

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.