Communication Systems 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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic 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.

Space Systems Command (USSF/SSC) is responsible for the development and sustainment of key components of the United States national security space architecture, including the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) system that provides missile warning capabilities to the warfighter and the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) that provides the capability to detect, locate, and report nuclear explosions in the Earth’s atmosphere and in space in near real-time.  As Communication Systems Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer - Systems Engineering-Acquisition and Systems Engineering) supporting SSC’s Strategic Missile Warning Ground Acquisition Delta (SSC/SNG), you will provide technical leadership across a diverse set of ground network development and integration activities supporting SSC/SNG. 

Work Model
This is a full-time position based at the Los Angeles Air Force Base and requires an estimate of a minimum of 4 days of in-office work/week.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide space-ground systems integration expertise for the Relay Ground Station (RGS) antennas and related ground networks
• Support space-ground interface development, test, requirement verification and enterprise sell-off
• Identify critical system integration decision points and milestones/events to ensure the successful transitioning of ground system capabilities from development to operations
• Provide thought leadership to the development of a robust technical maturation strategy for the next generation missile warning survivable/endurable (S/E) antenna design
• Lead technical studies to assess antenna performance and inform the near-future design trade space
• Participate in program status assessments and conduct independent risk assessments that inform government and Aerospace management of technical issues and recommended courses of action 
• Provide insight into contractor system development and integration planning and execution, including system functional and performance testing for the ground, space, and combined ground-space capabilities 
• Represent Aerospace in program meetings and technical forums such as design reviews, technical interchanges, and program management reviews
• Lead non-conformance, anomaly, and major technical issue response teams to support space-ground and Enterprise-related review boards 
• Collaborate with government, SE&I, SETA, and contractor counterparts to coordinate program technical activities

What You Need to be Successful - Sr. Project Engineer - Systems Engineering-Acquisition and Systems Engineering
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree Engineering, Science or a related technical field
• Twelve or more years of responsible professional engineering experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments
• Experience with development, test, and fielding of space-ground communications systems
• Prior engineering leadership or project management experience
• Proven ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with military, technical, and contractor teams
• Active secret clearance with an ability to obtain TS/SCI, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Ability to support periodic travel

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in a STEM field 
• Strong, hands-on knowledge of ground system architectures, especially antenna networks and advanced communications network technologies 
• Technical understanding of the current threat environment
• Experience with military protected satellite communications
• Experience with OPIR and/or USNDS system requirements
• Understanding of and experience working with a matrixed engineering organization.
• Ability to function effectively with limited supervision
• Strong customer focused demeanor with outstanding skills in coordinating exchanges between technical staff and the customer. 
• Active TS/SCI 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)

$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.