Space Warfare Game Designer

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.

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 (USSF), 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 Space Warfighting Analysis Office within the Aerospace Space Security Directorate acts as a vital link between cutting-edge technology and national defense strategy. This role, as a Senior Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering, directly supports the USSF’s Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC) by translating technical expertise into actionable insights for future Space Force capabilities in the planning, design, development, and conduct of wargames and exercises.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design and execute realistic space-centric wargames, incorporating emerging technologies and evolving threats to assess potential future conflicts.
• Lead feasibility assessments of new tactical concepts, operations plans, and architectural concepts across a wide range of military, intelligence, and civil/commercial capabilities.
• Collaborate with diverse teams, including engineers, analysts, and policymakers, to facilitate knowledge sharing and ensure common operational challenges and risks are identified.
• Champion the implementation of engineering best practices in accelerated evaluations of new operational concepts, driving rapid innovation within SWAC.
• Shape the future of space warfare by driving innovative solutions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within SWAC.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related technical field from a recognized institution.
• 12 or more years of relevant experience in military planning, wargaming, or strategic analysis, with a focus on space operations.
• Proven ability to work within integrated Government, FFRDC, and SETA teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in current and emerging space technologies, capabilities, and threats.
• Demonstrated strong technical leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%.
• This position requires a TS/SCI security 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:

• Doctorate in Operations Research or similar field.
• Published research or articles on space warfare and strategic doctrine.
• Proven track record of leading and mentoring teams in complex, high-stakes environments

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.