Space and Ground Systems Enterprise 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 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 System Integration and Test Office (SITO) within SED ensures appropriate testing, validation, and verification principles are applied to these systems. We utilize data and analysis to summarize and recommend solutions for effective test verification and validation. SITO is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within all the major Intelligence, Civil, and DoD agencies.

Responsibilities 

An essential element of determining space readiness is testing the system under development. As a test and evaluation engineer, you will have the opportunity to design test plans for both space and ground systems. You will devise 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 work will be essential to verifying that military systems work as expected from both a technical and mission perspective. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide systems engineering and integration expertise for space missions. Missions may include missile warning, communications, weather, position/navigation, space domain awareness, launch, or others. 
• Support programs through developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) and operational test and evaluation (OT&E). 
• Provide technical leadership on program development, sustainment, and test planning for software-intensive ground system-of-systems acquisitions.
• Develop proof of concepts and prototypes to demonstrate a data access use case.
• Advise programs on test objectives, conditions, and success criteria incorporating.
• Advise on detailed test planning, architecture, design, and execution. You will also support data evaluation, anomaly resolution, and risk assessment. 
• Candidate will assist government customer with IT program-related activities associated with testing, execution, and performance tracking at the enterprise level.
• Provide test coordination advice to assist the government to plan, manage, and execute programs and projects.
• Evaluate performance, execution risks, and make comprehensive recommendations to the Government.
• Review, evaluate, and assess program requirements, documents, plans, and other related artifacts for accuracy and consistency and compliance with Enterprise documentation.
• Coordinate with customer and other government entities for the integration of new and/or modified data types
• Assist the program office with preparation and coordination of delivery orders, task orders, requirements documents, briefings, and performance statements, as applicable.
• Monitor and track test events related to future software deliveries at factory and site.
• Review and evaluate the completeness of test plans and other test-related documentation and provide feedback to Government and the development contractors.
• Create, review, and track requests for services associated with division programs during enterprise test events.
• Develop, coordinate, and track baseline change requests for division programs during enterprise test events.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or mathematics
• Excellent verbal communication skills - clear, concise, persuasive; builds consensus through speaking; polished, professional style.
•  Ability to work within a team environment, where the team is distributed across multiple NASA Organizations, Projects, and Programs
• 5+ years of experience with at least one aspect of space systems test and integration. Experience with enterprise integration, space and ground system integration, human systems integration, and new technology insertion. 
• Demonstrated ability to clearly define (not just follow) 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 
• Familiarity and knowledge of both SSC and NRO customers and their command media 
• Current TS/SCI clearance 

How You Can Stand Out

• Master’s or PhD., in a technical and/or business degree
• Deep knowledge of the IC Customer Space

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.