Systems Engineering Lead – Resilient Missile Warning / Tracking (MWT) Futures

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.

Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space 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. DSG provides core technical support to Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

As the Systems Engineering Lead for Missile Warning / Tracking (MWT) Futures (Senior Project Leader, Enterprise Systems Engineering) within the MWTD Mission Integration Department in DSG, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future OPIR architecture and ensuring successful integration into a broader, modernized US MWTD enterprise.  In this role, you will provide technical and programmatic leadership to the design evolution of the current OPIR architecture by working closely with external entities such as Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC). You will also work closely with government partners such as Space Development Agency (SDA), Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and foreign partners to identify integration opportunities that bolster resiliency and/or capability and drive them to closure.

Work Model

This position is an on-site in El Segundo, CA. Telecommuting is possible 1-2 days per week depending on the needs of the program and customer.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Shape requirements definition for the future OPIR system including development, coordination, and approval of system capability and requirements documents, in collaboration with SWAC, JROC and other requirements organizations
• Act as spokesperson for the Aerospace MWTD Mission Integration Department, advising senior customer leadership in formulating, evaluating, and executing efforts to integrate the OPIR technical baseline with those of partner organizations such as the Space Development Agency (SDA) and Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
• Identify, develop and pursue collaboration opportunities between Space Systems Command (SSC) and foreign partners
• Develop the requirements and capability roadmap for Resilient MEO Epoch 3+
• Ensure alignment of customer and Aerospace technical investment portfolios with the future direction of the OPIR enterprise
• Lead the Aerospace team in the execution of analyses and trade studies that will help inform the decision space for the future OPIR architecture and its integration into the larger US MWTD enterprise
• Act as a senior mentor to team members, providing technical guidance to staff in both technical duties and program office responsibilities as well as development insights 
• Provide 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, Enterprise Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• BS degree in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or related STEM field
• Experience with OPIR missile warning programs
• 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management
• Demonstrated ability to work within teams
• Proven ability to establish and maintain trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders under minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for interactions at all levels of corporate and government leadership
• Demonstrated ability to work adaptively on multiple tasks in a small, diverse team in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel domestically, approximately once a month
• This position requires a current and active Secret security clearance and the ability to obtain a TS/SCI, 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 technical discipline (engineering, science or math)
• Extensive experience with government entities and capabilities across the US MWTD enterprise
• Program office and management experience; experience directing matrixed technical support teams

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.