Ground Data Networks Engineer/Sr. Ground Data Networks 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.

As part of the Aerospace Space Security Directorate, the Space Warfighting Analysis Office provides high-quality analytic and program management support to the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), advising the Government, and leading analyses on the future space and ground data transport network architectures, balancing design, performance, and resilience to win the next war. This position will support the USSF SWAC by performing systems engineering and architecture analysis on the next generation of ground data transport networks to support closing tactical kill chains.  This role requires working collaboratively in a multi-level classification environment with interagency, military, and civilian communities in the planning, conduct and interpretation of analysis to shape the force design of the future GDN architecture. 

Work Model

This position requires 100% onsite work in classified facilities in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC) leadership on technical and analytical approaches, force design, systems engineering, and development of future ground data network architectures.
• Developing analytic plans and defining analytic tasks needed to understand data transport and data network mission needs and refine force designs.
• Identifying Aerospace resources and expertise that can be brought to bear on tough customer problems. Develop an understanding of Aerospace analytic and engineering tools and capabilities relevant to the ground data network problem set.
• Translating SWAC Government leadership needs for engineering and analytical support into executable tasks and execution plans for Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group (ETG).
• Planning, assigning, and managing the workload of interdisciplinary teams to meet challenging customer requirements.
• Providing periodic execution reviews to Aerospace and customer senior management.
• Leading or participating in teams consisting of Govt, Aerospace, other Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contractors conducting analysis of technology and capabilities and providing analytically backed recommendations.

What You Need to be Successful – Project Engineer, Enterprise Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution in engineering, mathematics, or other technical sciences.
• 6 or more years of experience in ground data network operations, systems engineering, developing, or analyzing ground data networks.
• Familiarity with ground data networks, ground data routing, and ground data processing and storage mission areas.
• Familiarity with at least one of the following programs/agencies: DAF BN, BMC3, R2C2, NC3, CJADC2 and commercial ground data systems.
• Ability to independently work and thrive in a fast-paced & dynamic environment and to work complex problems.
• Proven ability to lead technical analyses. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Active Secret security clearance: eligible for Top Secret SCI and SAP/SAR clearances, which are issued by the US government. US Citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Ability for occasional travel.

In addition to the above, Senior Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering requires the following:

• 10 or more years of relevant technical experience in ground data network systems development and acquisition, analysis, operations and/or program management.
• Proven ability to work within integrated Government, FFRDC, and SETA teams.
• Demonstrated strong technical leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• High level of creativity, initiative systems thinking, and innovation.
• 5 or more years of experience interfacing directly with customers.

How You Can Stand Out

We would be impressed if you have any of these experiences:

• Advanced [Masters, PhD] degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or other technical sciences from a recognized institution. .
• Over 10 years of modeling, simulation, and analysis experience, with a strong background in ground systems technologies, ground system architectural concepts, or joint warfighting operations.
• Direct experience working in government or commercial organizations with ground-focused data transport, routing, and processing programs.
• Knowledge of military and commercial ground data system missions, designs, and operations.
• Experience operating in an Agile, DevSecOps, or other advanced software development environment.
• Experience working with projects that incorporated digital engineering or model-based systems engineering.
• Experience working with the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, Space Security and Defense Program, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, or NRO customers.
• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI access and/or SAP/SAR access.

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.