Threat Analysis 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.

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 United States Space Force, United States Space Command, Air Force Material 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 Space Development Agency (SDA) was established in 2019 by the Department of Defense to define and monitor the Department’s future threat-driven space architecture and accelerate the development and fielding of new military space capabilities necessary to ensure our technological and military advantage in space for national defense. Aerospace support for the SDA resides within the Agile Acquisition Division of the Defense Architectures and Integration office of the Defense Systems Group, which provides decision support at the enterprise level to senior Aerospace customers across the DoD, as well as helping to connect and align customers and Aerospace across the space enterprise. This position leads support to vulnerability and threat analysis activities in SDA’s spacecraft acquisition programs as Lead Threat Analyst. The selected candidate will provide expertise in national space systems threats as well as vulnerability analysis and mitigation, along with modeling and simulation.

Work Model

This is a hybrid role with onsite support as directed in Chantilly, VA.

• The selected candidate will lead Aerospace threat analysis support to the SDA Red Cell Chief and the Spacecraft Program Managers. In position, this selectee will coordinate across the Aerospace Enterprise with subject matter experts for support in defining processes and products, and prioritizing initial topic areas for analysis, based on SDA requirements and emerging capabilities.
• Lead support for vulnerability assessments based on knowledge of national space systems threats through modeling and simulation activities in support of SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Support will include cyber security requirements reviews, developing and implementing system tests, leading Aerospace Independent Review Teams (IRTs), participating in threat reviews as well as spacecraft design reviews, supporting regular contractor program management reviews, and reviewing programmatic schedules and activities for technical and cyber security compliance. Lead cyber requirements reviews with senior SDA Government officials and coordinate threat mitigation plans with SDA Cell Chiefs. Apply systems engineering, requirements, and test and validation standard methodologies to assist SDA in the development of acquisition, test, and integration documents required for the execution of threat and vulnerability mitigation efforts. Additionally, shape requirements for the SDA Enterprise in the definition of threat mitigation efforts across the SDA Trances and Ground sites.
• Help to ensure SDA’s mission success by leading the development and implementation of threat mitigation strategies across the Transport (communications) and Tracking (missile tracking) satellite development programs, as well as Ground development and Launch segments, in the PWSA. Apply lessons learned and commercial best practices as well as systems engineering principles in an agile acquisition environment to implement threat protection techniques. Lead the program reviews to assess these threat implementation strategies and recommend lessons learned that result from these reviews.
• Interact daily with SDA senior leaders, FFRDCs, UARCs, and SETA personnel across all the program Cells and divisions in the acquisition and employment of these spacecraft. Ensure constellation architectures meet warfighter requirements for threat protection.
• Participate in technical design reviews as the Lead Threat Analyst, conducting threat analyses, reviewing technical documentation (providing feedback on program documents (e.g. CONOPS, ICD’s, test plans, etc.)), and leading Aerospace IRTs in the development of threat mitigation plans.
• Act as a senior technical mentor to team members. Lead the Aerospace team in the execution of the threat and vulnerability identification and assessment activities and related systems engineering, integration, and test responsibilities. Coordinate subject matter expert analyses and the integration of inputs to provide SDA and Aerospace corporate leadership with technical advice.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Project Leader – Engineering Program Management & Cyber Security Architecture

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics field
• 10+ years of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience in threat analysis and mitigation, satellite and/or satellite subsystem acquisition and development, integration, test, and performance and risk assessment
• This position requires a TS/SCI, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Development experience in an agile acquisition environment
• Knowledge of threat assessment and mitigation strategies, to include implementation of mitigation strategies
• High-level understanding of satellite-as-a-sensor (SAS) and machine learning, radiation environment modeling, laser systems, and RF systems
• Modeling and simulation experience
• Multidisciplinary experience including spacecraft and subsystem design and definition and space-to-ground communications interfaces
• Knowledge of DoD, IC, Civil, and Commercial missions and technologies
• Knowledge of acquisition processes and a willingness to adjust them to best support SDA’s 2-year cycle acquisition efforts
• Ability to lead, work, and communicate effectively as part of a team in a very fast-paced, dynamic environment, reacting quickly and providing products of consistent high quality
• High interest, enthusiasm, and motivation in addressing future national security space challenges
• Ability to build and/or maintain substantive rapport with Aerospace peers (ETG Matrix and Program Office), SETA personnel, and government customers (to include senior government leaders)
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes utilizing objective facts
• Excellent verbal communication skills - clear, concise, and persuasive – including the ability to build consensus through speaking in a polished, professional style 
• Experience in systems engineering, risk assessment, and trade space exploration studies
• Experience directly interfacing with customers and delivering comprehensive assessment products
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time

How You Can Stand Out

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

• A Masters or PhD degree from an accredited program in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics field  
• Fifteen years or more of experience in vulnerability assessments and threat modeling, spacecraft systems acquisition, development, and risk assessment
• Experience working with SDA and a working knowledge of the SDA architecture, functional Cells, and leadership interactions
• Experience with SATCOM constellation threat analysis and mitigation testing and implementation

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.