Space and Ground Systems Test and Evaluation 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 Aerospace Corporation applies modern science and technology to advance space systems. We maintain a privileged position as a trusted government advisor employed to solve their hardest problems, from putting a man on a missile (project Mercury, 1958) to building a base on the moon (project Artemis, ongoing).

Responsibilities

An essential element of determining space readiness is testing the system under development. As a test and evaluation engineer, you will contribute to designing test plans for both space and ground systems, and help determine whether space and ground systems can be integrated successfully. You may also contribute to systems engineering products to ensure space and ground systems are designed compatibly. Our engineers may be tasked to develop tests that mimic operationally realistic scenarios, monitor system progress through test procedures, and assess whether systems are ready for launch. You will help develop tests for the insertion of new technologies or integration of systems into larger space architectures. Your contributions will be essential to verifying that systems work as expected from both a technical and mission perspective.

Key Functions

• Provide test and integration expertise for space missions. Missions may include missile warning, communications, weather, position/navigation, space domain awareness, launch, or others.

• Develop and assess plans for space systems assembly, integration, and test (AI&T), and adjudicate issues observed while executing the AI&T process

• Advise on detailed test planning, architecture, design, and execution. You may also support data evaluation, anomaly resolution, and risk assessment.

• Advise programs on test objectives, conditions, and success criteria

• Contribute to systems engineering products in the early design phase

• Support programs through developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) and operational test and evaluation (OT&E)

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or related field

• 8 years of experience with at least one aspect of space systems test and integration. Besides direct experience with test, other applicable qualifications include experience with enterprise integration, space and ground system integration, human systems integration, and new technology insertion.

• Familiarity with the test and evaluation policy for DT&E and OT&E established in DoDI 5000.89

• Demonstrated ability to clearly define tasks, form and lead teams, and be technically persuasive in both written and verbal communication

• A current secret clearance, and ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance (the US government requires US citizenship to obtain a security clearance)

Preferred

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, or mathematics

• Mission domain knowledge in one or more of the following: satellite communications (SATCOM); missile warning, tracking, and defense (MWTD); weather; space domain awareness (SDA); combat power (CP); position, navigation, and timing (PNT); launch; battle management command, control, and communication (BMC3)

• Familiarity with test requirements for space and launch vehicles, such as those described in SSC-S-016

• Familiarity and knowledge of SSC and NRO customers and their command media

• Familiarity with military acquisitions

• Active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  

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.