Missile Warning Ground Segment 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.

The Aerospace Corporation Defense Systems Group (DSG) serves as the technical and programmatic advisor to the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) for acquiring, developing, and fielding capabilities for the United States Space Command and joint warfighter, as well as to maintain America’s comprehensive military advantage in space.

As the MEO Missile Warning, Tracking & Defense Ground Segment Development and Integration Lead, you will play a pivotal role in the transition to a new Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) MEO architecture. You’ll oversee the development and integration of the ground segment for the MEO Missile Track Custody Program as the primary technical lead and spokesperson to the government customer. This position entails providing both technical and programmatic support across multiple contractors.

Work Model: This is an on-site position located at 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

• Act as technical spokesperson for the Government MEO Missile Track Custody ground segment program office customer in contractor and government partner interactions
• Serve as a ground segment leader and director of a team of senior technical contributors across SV command and control integration, system operations, and integration with ground entry points elements.
• Provide ground segment systems engineering for requirements and ICD development and verification, production and integration, test, and support system-level test and operational readiness assessments
• Provide systems engineering in support of future ground segment acquisitions
• Identify, initiate, and develop multidisciplinary support from appropriate technical resources
• Evaluate contractor performance against cost, schedule, performance
• Mentor less experienced personnel and serve as role model
• Exemplify Aerospace corporate values of objectivity and integrity while serving as a trusted agent to our government customers

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Project Leader, Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical subject area
• Minimum of twelve years of increasingly responsible relevant professional engineering experience supporting National Security Space (NSS) missions
• Proven experience with NSS ground architectures development, integration, and test
• Experience with NSS operations
• Knowledge of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Proven ability to establish and maintain trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders under minimal supervision
• Track record of leading integrated multidisciplinary teams
• 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, up to 20 percent of the time
• This position requires a current and active Secret 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
• Experience with OPIR missile warning programs
• Experience with NSS operational ground segments to include antennas, networks, datacenters, communications, and software
• Understanding of current DoD acquisition practices
• 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.