Senior Engineering Systems Project Leader

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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

We are looking for a Senior Engineering Systems Project Leader (Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Program Management). This position will primarily support NOAA NESDIS’ Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Portfolio Program Office but will also contribute to NOAA’s broader enterprise including NESDIS’ other Portfolio Program Offices (i.e. GOES and SW), NASA, and the National Weather Service (NWS).  Evolving a “connected enterprise” from observation to data-product, this position requires a combination of program management, system engineering, technical trade analysis, and financial benefit analysis skills to comply with next-generation program(s) formulation activities.  A critical success factor is the candidate’s ability to interface with finance and economic teams to plan, organize and direct the completion of OMB-compliant acquisition documentation to fund new program requirements.  Additionally, the candidate should understand NOAA/NASA science needs to articulate the value of observed data as related to NOAA Primary Mission Essential Functions (i.e. societal benefits).  Key stakeholders include a diverse combination of NOAA Lines of Business and NASA project teams.  A hybrid work model with access to Greenbelt, MD, is acceptable. 

Work Model

This is a full-time position based at NASA Goddard SFC, 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

• Lead, plan, and perform broad-based programmatic and technical activities  
• Interact with a diverse customer groups assigned to space, ground and science services teams. 
• Provide direct support to senior government decision makers regarding acquisition strategies  
• Provide leadership between customers' and Aerospace management staff  
• Conduct analyses & architecture/systems trade studies (scope, cost, schedule) 
• Participate in a variety of technical, financial and programmatic studies to recommend cost effective solutions for future Enterprise architectures 
• Apply a broad skillset to innovative solutions that leverage commercial service providers and/or non-traditional vendors 
• Coordinate system migration activities and ensure partner mission integration at reasonable cost and to mitigate programmatic risk  
• Advise on strategic technology directions to improve mission system capabilities, technology investment, and operational cost reduction. 

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Program Management

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science, or other appropriate STEM discipline
• Twelve or more years of progressively responsible professional experience, including space and/or ground systems and a background in systems related projects, and project leadership in an engineering portfolio organization 
• Strong understanding and/or financial background enabling financial analysis and application to societal benefit analysis 
• Ability to provide systems-based leadership in the areas of space and ground systems, and data science applicable to NOAA legacy and enterprise-level systems 
• Working knowledge of NOAA phenomenologies, observed data, and data products.   
• Experience with commercial, and/or DoD, and/or NASA and/or NOAA space systems 
• Proficiency with interagency space/ground mission systems  
• Prior expertise leading the full life-cycle of complex AoA trade study deliverables to US Government customers 
• Acquisition expertise; High level working knowledge of procurement management support of moderate-to-large system acquisitions and/or experience with federal acquisition policies and practices 
• Skilled in negotiating contracts, agreements, and partnerships to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
• Excellent written communication skills - organize complex materials and concepts in clear and logical manner, including for briefing executive leadership
• Excellent verbal communication skills - clear, concise, persuasive; builds consensus through speaking; polished, professional style
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically approx. 10%
• This position may require 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 (masters or PhD preferred) 
• Expertise/knowledge in the hardware/software lifecycle from concept of operations to end of life for satellite or ground-based systems including architecture, program management, risk management, and process improvement 
• Strong presentation and financial management skills resulting in an ability to communicate complex technology within an economic/business context to demonstrate acquisition value to non-technical stakeholders.  

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.