Satellite Ground 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 Enterprise Ground Division (EGD) engineers solutions across the enterprise to deliver secure, interconnected and resilient capabilities for satellite and mission operations, space domain awareness and space defense. EGD provides systems engineering, acquisition, development and integration support of tactical and operational Command and Control capabilities for missions within the Space Systems Command portfolio. The Data Transport Engineering team within the Enterprise Ground Division is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Project Engineer to support Space Systems Command (SSC) in the development of tactical Command, Control and Communications (C3) solutions. You will work closely with the Government to chart and implement the path to a modernized, secure, and resilient enterprise ground architecture.

Work Model: Must be able to work on-site at least four days per week in El Segundo; some telecommuting is possible depending on customer needs.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide support to the Government customer (C3 Antenna Services) regarding acquisition, development, and integration of current and future ground antenna network systems and operations.
• Assist and advise across the customer team on systems engineering, systems development, prototyping, and evaluation/integration/test of new technology.
• Work across organizational boundaries to provide antenna network and ground entry point (GEP) leadership through collaboration and knowledge sharing with contractors, external stakeholders (e.g. SpOC, 22 SOPS), and other Aerospace organizations.
• Provide inputs to Develop Data Transport and Relay Network (DTRN) roadmaps, identify operational and technical development gaps, and recommend solutions.
• Evaluate contractor designs and make technical recommendations to the government customer.

What you need to be successful - Project Engineer - Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Communications Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, mathematics or related technical discipline.
• Six or more years of relevant technical experience in ground communications networking, satellite communications, information systems development and acquisition, analysis, space operations or program management.
• Familiarity with systems engineering, acquisition, and/or integration of ground communication systems and networks.
• Demonstrated success developing good working interpersonal relations with internal and external organizations/customers.
• Ability to work independently, think strategically, and solve problems.
• This position requires the ability to obtain a Secret clearance as issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Periodic travel (4-8 trips per year) is required.

In addition to the above, the Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Communications Systems Engineering position requires:

• Twelve or more years of related, proven technical expertise.
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary systems engineering activities for space/ground systems.

How you can stand out

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

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics or related technical discipline.
• Experience with and understanding of the Space Force’s Satellite Control Network.
• Experience with and understanding of Federal Satellite Control Networks (e.g. NASA, NOAA).
• Experience with and understanding of Commercial Ground Space Control Networks.
• Strong, hands-on working knowledge of ground system architectures, especially antenna networks (e.g. phased arrays) and advanced communications network technologies (e.g. remote automated operations).
• Familiarly with agile software development.
• Current Secret/Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US Government.

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.