Lead Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Integrator

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 Space Domain Superiority Directorate, in the Special Programs Division, supports a broad array of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Combat Power missions covering the entire threat response chain from the Space Domain Awareness function through the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities.

The Aerospace Space Domain Superiority Directorate provides technical and programmatic support to a broad array of programs. We are looking for a Lead SDA Integrator (Senior Project Leader - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) to lead an integrated team across multiple disciplines to provide the technical vision for space-based capabilities supporting space surveillance operations. This work is focused on leading all aspects of implementing programs within the tightly integrated program office consisting of military, Aerospace, and SETA personnel. You will work on site in the government program office, where you will have frequent interaction with the government and support contractors. This position allows for the opportunity to see your contributions to a critical mission become realized.

Work Model

• This position is a 100% full time onsite in El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Aerospace Lead Engineer supporting the Government Chief Engineer in formulating, evaluating, and overseeing of system requirements and system engineering practices 
• Providing insight to Aerospace leadership and the customer on risks, issues, opportunities and associated mitigation strategies and corrective actions 
• Shaping requirements definition for USSF space-based systems including development, coordination, and approval of system capability documents, system requirements documents, and interface control documents 
• Ensuring successful execution of systems integration efforts between space, ground, and crypto segments of USSF space-based systems (diverse organization w/ multiple programs in different acquisition stages including acquisition, production, operational, and future capabilities)  
• Applying Mission Assurance, systems engineering, requirements, and test & validation standard methodologies to assist the customer in development of acquisition documents required for execution of space, ground, and crypto acquisitions
• Assessing mission trades between systems, segments and products for design reviews to help identify optimal systems architecture designs 
• Maintaining effective working relationships with customer leadership, capability-delivering contractors, ETG and other program office support organizations, including the creation of technical materials and the ability to present to key stakeholders and senior leaders 
• Leading the Aerospace team in the execution of the systems engineering, integration, and test responsibilities, to include the coordination of subject matter experts and the integration of inputs to provide corporate and customer leadership with technical advice 
• As senior mentor, providing technical guidance to staff in both technical duties and program office responsibilities as well as development insights 
• Providing oversight and management of program staffing budgets, including the identification and recruitment of subject matter experts to support systems acquisition activities 

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Project Leader, Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical subject area
• 12 or more years of experience in a relevant field which includes support of National Security Space missions
• Exceptionally high level of initiative
• Demonstrated ability to work adaptively on multiple tasks in a small, diverse team in a fast paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead integrated multidisciplinary teams across multiple efforts
• Proven competence to establish and maintain trusted relationships with government customers and key stakeholders under minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel up to 20 percent of the time
• This position requires a current and active Top Secret and SCI 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 in a relevant technical subject area
• 15 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience
• Experience with and knowledge of Space Domain Awareness
• Prior experience leading simultaneous deployment of multiple systems
• Experience with space system acquisitions
• Experience leveraging the Engineering and Technology Group organization or technical support teams to provide effective contributions
• Experience in Space Superiority or Space Control programs
• Current and active Special Access Programs (SAP) security clearances

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)

$155,900 - $233,900

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.