Acquisition Planning and Engineering Capability Lead

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.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The Acquisition Planning and Decision Analytics (APDA) Department is seeking a Senior Acquisition and Systems Engineer to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of acquisition and systems engineering professionals.  This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers in the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. APDA applies deep technical expertise and experience to deliver pre-acquisition and systems engineering planning expertise and products to form a sound basis for space, ground, and launch system program acquisition lifecycle activities. 

Work Model:

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA, El Segundo, CA, Albuquerque, NM, or Colorado Springs, CO, offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advise key stakeholders and government customers by conducting a variety of acquisition, systems engineering, and data engineering planning, analysis, and integration activities to communicate acquisition and systems engineering impacts, best practices and lessons learned.

• Lead the Acquisition Planning and Engineering capability area with responsibilities in the following: program requirements development and analysis; program design, RFP and source selection support; governance development and management; systems engineering process development and analysis; and develop capability area against department and subdivision priorities.

• Collaborate with Integrated Acquisition Enablers team to develop and modernize capabilities to better manage, integrate, and share data across the subdivision.

• Orchestrate acquisition engineering-related technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments.

• Establish high-performing teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders, Aerospace Program Office personnel and external customers including defense and civil agencies, such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA), and others.

• Serve as spokesperson to management and customers on matters related to Acquisition Planning and Systems Engineering.

• Lead the development of departmental tools and ensure the implementation of best practices.

• Contribute to new business and technical planning efforts; continuously evolve the scope of responsibilities for the team.

• Contribute to hiring and development of skills needed for the department.

• Actively engage with the professional community by leading and organizing events such as conference, seminars, and industry forums.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for engagement and growth.

• Spearhead research initiatives that foster innovation.

• Host educational workshops, brown-bag lunch sessions, and training programs to promote knowledge sharing.

• Act as senior mentor, providing technical advice/guidance to junior staff and customers.

• Develop and deliver accurate and timely reports and presentations that clearly communicate results and solutions to support critical decisions.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering or a related STEM field.

• 12 years of relevant experience in space-related acquisition and systems engineering

• Previous experience leading highly technical project teams.

• Proficiency in developing or assessing space system acquisition strategies, developing or assessing request for proposal documents, in analyzing or assessing proposals, in developing or assessing systems engineering processes, guidance, and execution, and/or developing and managing requirements.

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors.

• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral.

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes excellence and collaboration.

• Willing to travel domestically up to 10%.

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI 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 from an accredited program in Engineering or a related STEM field.

• Prior leadership or management experience, particularly in source selections and evaluation processes.

• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.

• Experience working in a program office setting, managing matrix support, and developing statements of work.

• Knowledge of government (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA) acquisition and systems engineering policies and practices, space systems, and advanced space technologies.

• Familiarity with systems acquisition management disciplines.

• Experience with concurrent engineering methods and tools.

• Teaching experience in technical subjects.

• Recognition as a subject matter expert through publications, presentations, or contributions to the professional community.

• Certification in acquisition and/or systems engineering recognized professional societies (e.g., INCOSE, SERC).

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 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.