Armament/Missile 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.

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 also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Nuclear Operations Directorate (NOD) is seeking a Project Engineer to provide technical engineering support to the USAF Armament Directorate with development, test, and production of its missile and hypersonic weapon programs.  The position requires someone with hands on experience in vehicle and/or systems engineering. The candidate will also be in a customer interface role for the Air Force Life Cyle Management Center’s Armament Directorate (AFLCMC/EB).  Engagements may range from working level through the General Officer level. The candidate must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills and be able to effectively interface with the government customer and contractors.  This position will directly support one of the weapon program managers in AFLCMC/EB at Eglin AFB, FL..  

Work Model

This is a full time position based in Fort Walton Beach, FL.  The majority of work will be performed onsite at a government facility at Eglin AFB, FL with opportunities to work from home occasionally.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support one of the missile or hypersonic weapon divisions in the USAF Armament Directorate with engineering expertise and reach back support from the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group
• Lead systems studies and analyses that support technical, programmatic, and organizational decision-making on a variety of projects
• Lead studies such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments
• Participate in Technical Reviews
• Take initiative to inform the program office of perceived engineering problems and recommend courses of action and then, coordinate activities with both inter-organizational personnel, program office points of contact, and customer contacts when necessary to scope, plan, and resolve the issues
• Support the SPO in developing products for different Milestones
• Support the SPO in developing acquisition related products (RFP, SOW, etc.)
• Document work in accordance with corporate standards and provide timely technical recommendations to customers by means of technical briefings and reports
• Demonstrate behavior that is consistent with the company’s values of Dedication to Mission Success, Technical Excellence, Commitment to Our People, Objectivity and Integrity, and Innovation

What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science degree in science or engineering
• Minimum six or more years of relevant systems engineering 
• Experience with developing products required for DoD acquisition phase transition, with emphasis on the Production and Deployment phase
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 25% of the time
• Position requires a current Top Secret or DoE Q clearance with a closeout date in the last six years (must be able to obtain a DoD Top Secret SCI clearance), which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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

• A Bachelor of Science degree in science or engineering
• Minimum twelve or more years of relevant systems engineering experience with an emphasis on configuration management, establishment and maintenance of Configuration Items, and planning and execution of associated reviews (SVR, PRR) and audits (FCA, PCA)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with customers of all different levels

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master of Science degree in science or engineering from a recognized institution
• Extensive experience with DoD acquisition phase transition, Request for Proposal development, and interaction with Office of Secretary of Defense offices on the development of Milestone related documentation
• Experience with working Eglin Air Force munitions/armament acquisitions programs
• Experience interfacing with DOD customers in a program office environment
• Experience supporting acquisition and operation of strategic weapons systems

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.