GSSAP Space Vehicle 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.

The United States Space Force's (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Special Programs is an acquisition organization delivering capabilities to the United States Space Command and joint warfighter to protect America’s space interests and ensure a comprehensive military advantage in space. Special Programs collaborates with mission partners and other stakeholders to achieve effective enterprise integration and rapid delivery of new capabilities.

The Aerospace Space Domain Superiority Directorate provides technical and programmatic support to a broad array of programs including the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) program. The GSSAP satellites are a space-based capability supporting space surveillance operations that allows for more accurate tracking and characterization of man-made orbiting objects.

We are looking for a Space Vehicle Engineer to contribute to a team that is developing and delivering a critical space control capability to guarantee space superiority for our nation. This work is focused on supporting all aspects of implementing programs within the tightly integrated program office consisting of military, Aerospace, and SETA personnel. You will work on site in the government program office, where you will have frequent interaction with the government and support contractors. This position allows for the opportunity to see your contributions to a critical mission become realized.

Work Model

This position is full-time onsite in El Segundo, California

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serving as a space vehicle engineer in a diverse organization that provides technical and acquisitions expertise to a program that has operational, production, acquisition, and future capability enhancement efforts
• Leading and performing in-depth technical analyses, evaluations, and risk assessments
• Providing Aerospace-tailored mission assurance for a national security space system
• Contributing to requirements development, capability evaluation, and implementation of solutions for challenging problems
• Forge pathways to inform decisions related to feasibility and advise customers and management of activities
• Provide system engineering support. This includes technical guidance and insight of multiple prime contractors, working with the Enterprise community
• Develop positive, lasting working relations with customer senior management and all levels of customer, contractor, and SETA

What You Need to be Successful – Project Engineer, Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or related technical subject area
• 8 or more years of experience in a relevant field which includes support of National Security Space missions
• Systems engineering experience to include space systems development
• Experience in spacecraft development (design, build, integration, and testing)
• Experience in payload developments (e.g. optical, RF)
• Experience with assessing designs for Mission Assurance
• Experience building and maintaining effective teams and developing good working interpersonal relations with multiple government partners and contractors
• Ability to travel moderately
• Current Top Secret/SCI clearance required, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Ability to obtain additional security accesses

In addition to the above, the  Senior Project Engineer, Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering requires:

• 12 or more years of experience in a relevant field which includes support of National Security Space missions
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
• Track record of leading integrated multidisciplinary teams
• Exceptionally high level of initiative
• Demonstrated ability to work adaptively on multiple tasks in a small, diverse team in a fast paced environment

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Proven organizational and project leadership skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams
• Advanced degree in a relevant technical subject area
• Experience with space system acquisitions
• Experience leveraging ETG technical support teams to provide effective contributions
• Capability to identify and mitigate risks
• Experience in the Space Control Mission Area

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.