Deputy Lead Engineer - Satellite Ground Systems

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Lead Engineer will support development and integration of a critical enterprise spacecraft command and control (C2) ground system for the Space Combat Power Portfolio Acquisition Executive. The position is in the Spectrum Systems Directorate, Special Programs Division, within The Aerospace Corporation’s Defense Systems Group. The engineer will work on a program team of approximately 50 government, FFRDC, SETA, and contractor personnel to help develop and field space capabilities for the national security space enterprise.

The role supports all phases of ground system development and assists the Lead Engineer with architecture development—including commercial cloud, CI/CD pipeline, ground C2, antenna networks, and cyber—as well as requirements management, schedule, test, risk management, program baseline, and engineering review boards. The program uses Agile software development in a fast-paced, iterative delivery environment. The selected candidate must work full-time on-site at the company’s El Segundo, California facility and must be able to travel. A current TS/SCI clearance with SAP eligibility is required; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or a related STEM field.
• At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management.
• Space systems experience, specifically in satellite ground system development and operations.
• Working knowledge of Agile software development practices and events.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in team environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic program office environment involving government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including experience presenting and writing technical information for senior audiences.
• Ability to travel.
• Current TS/SCI security clearance with SAP eligibility; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Ability to work full-time on-site at the facility in El Segundo, California.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in a technical discipline such as engineering, science, or mathematics.
• Extensive satellite operations experience, including satellite ground system development and/or testing.
• Systems engineering experience with rapid-acquisition or rapid-prototyping operational systems.
• Experience as a chief engineer or deputy chief engineer of a space program.
• Hands-on experience with commercial cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, including cloud architecture, containerization, infrastructure-as-code, and DevSecOps practices.
• Experience supporting Agile software development programs such as Scrum, SAFe, or similar, including familiarity with Agile metrics, tooling such as Jira, Confluence, and GitLab, and government oversight of Agile contracts.
• Experience with cyber requirements, Authority to Operate processes, and continuous ATO in cloud environments.
• Proven experience working with vendors to deliver large-scale, multi-component systems.
• Strong personal technical reputation and a record of technical achievement.
• Program office and management experience.
• Working knowledge of expertise across The Aerospace Corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations, and ability to apply those resources to customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with government, SETA, and contractor teams to field a critical ground system in a commercial cloud.
• Support program reviews, design, development, testing, and transition-to-operations efforts.
• Interpret requirements and ensure their implementation across ground system design, mission concept of operations, prototyping and testing, initial flight checkout, flight operations, and operational transition support.
• Provide mission assurance and support ground architecture development and integration in a commercial cloud environment.
• Participate in Agile development events, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, program increment planning, and demonstrations, ensuring technical baselines and requirements are accurately reflected in the development backlog.
• Identify risk areas and recommend mitigation strategies to meet mission objectives.
• Work closely with the Program Manager and serve as technical lead in the Lead Engineer’s absence.
• Engage and oversee members of the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group to apply specialized expertise to problems beyond the local program office’s capacity.
• Present status updates routinely to Senior Materiel Leaders.
• Interface with multiple government agencies to deliver capability to the warfighter.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with company-paid benefits based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior