Space Data Network Communication Systems 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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic 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.

The Advanced Demonstrations department provides technical expertise on the newly formed Space Data Network (SDN) program within the Spectrum Warfare Delta enterprise. This unique position will serve as a key member of the engineering team supporting the SDN and MILNET programs, a rapidly growing set of programs with many missions. Further, this position will directly support the system’s broadband and narrowband communications payloads, development of their associated CONOPS, and engagement with their users. This position is for a technical and acquisition role within an integrated program office of USSF military and civilians, Aerospace, and SE&I contractors.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Acting as a lead system integrator for the MILNET satellite communications payloads: working to develop associated CONOPS for the systems and working to establish and support potential users
• Working with other government offices and contractors to determine adequate sizing of the constellation to meet warfighter needs
• Ensuring the SATCOM system supports the requisite number of warfighter users in a particular region/area
• Advising the customer, including government leadership, in formulating, evaluating, and overseeing understanding of system requirements
• Providing insight to Aerospace leadership and the customer on risks, issues, opportunities and associated mitigation strategies and corrective actions
• Working day-to-day to solve challenging systems engineering problems and in response, developing creative solutions
• Establishing and maintaining the confidence and trust of the government customer

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Communications Systems Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physical science, mathematics, or related technical degree
• 6 years or more of engineering experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or program management environment
• Experience building and maintaining effective interpersonal relations with internal and external organizations such as with customers, Aerospace, contractors, or related
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Work integrally and effectively with the program office team and staff from external organizations
• Willing to travel domestically approx. 15-25%.   
• This position requires a current Top Secret/SSBI/SCI clearance to interview with the ability to obtain and maintain additional security clearances, which are issues by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Communications Systems Engineering include:

• 10 years or more of engineering experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or program management environment
• Acting 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
• Develop, foster, and manage ETG support to the program and ensure the program is receiving the required subject matter expertise

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience working in a program office with a government customer
• Experience working with SWAC (especially on analytics and metrics)
• Experience working on spectrum management topics (ITU filings, ground system filings, RFI deconfliction)

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)

$129,000 - $249,600

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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.