Satellite Systems Engineer/Sr. Satellite 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.

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 Aerospace Space Domain Superiority Directorate, in the Special Programs Division, supports a broad array of Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power missions. We cover the entire threat response chain from the Space Domain Awareness function through the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology development for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities. You will be a Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer-Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering supporting SSC’s Advanced Concepts and Space Safari branches. The Advanced Concepts and Space Safari program offices support the Tactically Responsive Space mission by providing rapid response solutions for the warfighter to address dynamic changes in the operational space environment. You will contribute to a team that is developing solutions for the most challenging problems and implementing critical space control capabilities to guarantee space superiority for our nation. This work is focused on delivering space programs within the tightly integrated program office consisting of military, Aerospace, UARC, FFRDC, and SETA personnel. You will have frequent interaction with the government and support contractors. This opportunity will also collaborate with National Security Space mission partners that are building and integrating capabilities. This position allows for the opportunity to see your contributions to a critical mission be realized in a short time.

Work Model

This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the acquisition and integration of satellite systems, from concept through deployment and operation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) and X-Labs to support system development.
• Define system requirements and specifications based on mission objectives and customer needs.
• Conduct trade studies and performance analyses to optimize satellite system design and architecture.
• Coordinate with government contracting officers to procure necessary components and subsystems.
• Define criteria, participate, and assess design reviews, risk assessments, and mitigation planning.
• Manage and collaborate with contractors and other FFRDCs on test plans and procedures for satellite integration, testing, and validation.
• Provide system engineering and technical expertise to resolve system integration issues during development and operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices throughout the acquisition process.
• Develop positive, lasting working relations with customer senior management and all levels of customer/contractor staff.

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

Project Engineer

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or related technical subject area.
• 8 or more years of systems engineering experience with focus on space systems development and satellite acquisition.
• Experience in spacecraft development (design, build, integration, and testing).
• Strong knowledge of satellite subsystems, including payload, power, thermal, and attitude control systems.
• Experience with assessing designs for Mission Assurance
• Experience building and maintaining effective teams and developing good working interpersonal relations with multiple government partners and contractors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills - clear, concise, and professional
• The position requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance and additional accesses, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Ability to travel moderately.

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

• 10 years of experience in of systems engineering experience with focus on space systems development and satellite acquisition
• Experience with satellite procurement processes, including development of acquisition documents (RFP, SOW, TRD)
• Capability to identify and mitigate risks.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or related technical subject area.
• Experience in EO/IR payloads
• Current Top Secret/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government.
• Proven organizational and project leadership skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge and experience in Federal acquisition rules and policies
• Experience in Agile acquisition of space systems (e.g., bus, components, software)
• Experience in Space Operations including Launch and Early Operations, nominal operations, mission operations, end of life operations.
• Dedication and commitment to mission.
• Experience in the Space Control Mission Area    

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)

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.