Digital 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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED), part of SED, is charged with

charged with helping our customers successfully adopt, integrate, and utilize digital system models, methods, tools, and best practices as part of their systems engineering acquisition and realization lifecycle processes through DE and MBSE research & innovation, prototyping, analysis, training, and advisory functions.

We are seeking an Engineering Specialist, Digital Engineering or Senior Engineer Specialist, Digital Engineering. The ideal systems engineer for this position will implement creative DE and MBSE approaches for new and existing space, ground, launch, and airborne systems and advise internal Aerospace and external government customers on the effective use of DE and MBSE methodologies, tools, and practices to achieve their desired outcomes.  

Work Model 

This is a full-time position which requires 100% onsite at an Aerospace facility located in either Colorado Springs, CO, or Chantilly, VA.

What You'll Be Doing 

• Develop and analyze systems architecture and engineering models using various modeling languages such as SysML, UAFML, BPMN, RAAML, OWL, and others to support customers that acquire, develop, integrate, and operate space and ground, launch, and airborne systems at all levels of abstraction including the enterprise, mission, functional, logical levels, physical levels.
• Develop model patterns, libraries, templates, and patterns for reuse across projects and programs.
• Infuse DE and MBSE practices into our internal R&D programs and advise our customers on implementing DE and MBSE in their programs.  
• Advise customers on the selection and MBSE methods, languages, and toolsets that meet their systems engineering lifecycle use cases.  
• Train Aerospace ETG, program office, and government customers on DE and MBSE adoption, integration, and execution practices.  
• Develop and share your DE and MBSE knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices across Aerospace internal and external communities of interest (INCOSE, AIAA, IEEE, etc.) through papers and presentations.  
• Provide project mentoring and oversight to DSED junior staff as necessary.  

What You Need to Be Successful- Engineering Specialist, Digital Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.), Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Proficient with one or more MBSE modeling languages (SysML, UAFML, LML, etc.), methodologies (OOSEM, SysMOD, MagicGrid, etc.), and tools (Cameo, Cameo Simulation Toolkit, Sparx, Rhapsody, GENESYS, etc.). 
• Knowledge of core space system segments (space, ground, transport, launch, etc.) at the enterprise, SoS, system, and subsystem levels. 
• Ability to clearly explain complex concepts to customers and fellow employees. 
• A self-starter who can lead the technical work of DE/MBSE projects team and spearhead new efforts.  
• Experience in all aspects of space systems engineering, including architecture, engineering design, and engineering analysis. Familiarity with architecture frameworks (DoDAF, UAF, TOGAF) 
• 6 years experience in systems engineering/space systems engineering in two or more technical areas, including CONOPs development, requirements definition, architecture & design, system analysis, and system integration & test
• This position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineer Specialist, Digital Engineering include:

• Proficient with more than one MBSE modeling languages (SysML, UAFML, LML, etc.), methodologies (OOSEM, SysMOD, MagicGrid etc.), and tools (Cameo, Cameo Simulation Toolkit, Sparx, Rhapsody, GENESYS, etc.). 
• Experience with developing ontology or semantic data models
• 12 years experience in systems engineering in two or more technical areas, including CONOPs development, requirements definition, architecture & design, system analysis, and system integration & test.

How you Can Stand Out 

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline (Aerospace, Systems Electrical, Mechanical, etc.), Computer Science, or related technical discipline.  
• Knowledge of graph theory and graph database, analysis, and visualization tools
• Possess knowledge of digital engineering concepts and practical experience developing digital engineering strategies and execution plans.
• Familiar with digital thread tools such as Syndeia and Ecube.
• Teaching experience, especially in technical subjects. Relevant OMG or INCOSE certifications. 

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 - $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.