Systems Integration Testing 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 Space Environment and Weather Programs (SEWP) directorate is the lead FFRDC working with SSC/SNSW branch for acquisition of DOD Space Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) and Space Weather programs. Members of SEWP provides technical assessment and mission assurance for EO/IR Weather System (EWS), EO/IR Weather System Geostationary (EWS-G), Weather System Follow-on: Microwave (WSF-M) and several other missions across the acquisition lifecycle.  The SNSW branch engages with multiple SBEM stakeholders such as NOAA and DOD Weather Centers (557 Weather Wing (WW), Fleet Numerical Meteorological and Oceanographic Center (FNMOC)).

This position is based within the Space Environment and Weather Programs (SEWP) Directorate which is at the center of rapidly responding to evolving warfighter needs for various weather (Space and Terrestrial) sensing.  The Project Engineer – Systems Engineering position is responsible for a) the assessment of on-going acquisition programs, b) the development of and on-orbit demonstration of RF and EO/IR sensors to meet challenging DoD requirements, c) implementing risk mitigation efforts to augment current operational environmental monitoring systems, and d) the development and fielding of a future operational system architectures.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Los Angeles AFB in El Segundo, CA or Denver, CO, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support system level integration, test and verification activities across the weather programs
• Plan, organize, tailor and lead mission assurance activities to appropriately balance risk tolerance for Class B and Class C systems
• Lead working groups that consist of ETG experts., SE&I, and SETA personnel to quickly resolve technical challenges and issues
• Partner across The Aerospace Corporation’s engineering matrix organization to provide the customer with objective, data driven assessments to support programmatic decisions
• Interact with government program offices, weather scientists, operational users and other stakeholders in Space Based Environmental Monitoring community
• Support overall task prioritization and resource management planning and reporting

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Systems Engineering

• BS degree in engineering or science
• 8 years of related technical experience
• Experience in space systems engineering, system integration and performance verification.
• Experience in spacecraft and payload design and integration.
• Ability to lead teams of technical experts to review design, solve issues, review requirements verification artifacts, etc.
• Familiarity with systems engineering, program management, and / or the ability to integrate multiple technical viewpoints into cohesive systems view
• Ability to work effectively with Aerospace peers, internal and external customers, senior staff, and in a team setting
• Occasional travel required
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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 (MS or PhD) in engineering or science
• Active Secret Clearance
• Direct experience with DOD SBEM missions and/or payloads
• Knowledge of Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) capabilities
• Relevant government program office acquisition experience
• Experience with cost, schedule, and risk assessment
• Communicating effectively in diverse settings, with diverse personnel
• Ability to document consistently and regularly status and communications

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.