FORGE Technical Lead, Cloud & Software Engineering

The Aerospace Corporation•Aurora, CO

23h•$132,900 - $199,300•Hybrid

About The Position

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), the corporation is broadly engaged across all aspects of space, delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction. DSG also provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. This role is for a FORGE Technical Lead, Cloud & Software Engineering (Project Leader – Software Architecture Engineering and Cloud Computing Architecture) to join the Colorado-based Space-Based Sensing Division team supporting SSC FORGE acquisition efforts. The FORGE Technical Lead will lead key aspects of Aerospace’s FORGE acquisition lifecycle support, from ground system design through operations acceptance and handoff to sustainment, for all Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program thrust areas. The Technical Lead will work across the program office to lead delivering next-generation overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) ground processing capabilities, with heavy emphasis toward adopting on-premises and commercial cloud architecture concepts, to operations. This position requires on-site work at designated site locations, primarily at Buckley SFB in Aurora, CO, and BGIF in Boulder, CO, with occasional local travel to Schriever SFB in Colorado Springs, CO. Occasional out-of-state travel, primarily to Los Angeles, CA, may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or closely related technical field
Proven track record of integrating effort between development and operations for newly-fielded systems
12 or more years of experience in leading teams in ground systems, software development and cloud engineering
Demonstrated experience in the engineering and security of cloud-native architectures and mission-critical systems
Experience in designing, developing, deploying, operating, and evolving cloud infrastructures and platforms to support customers
Familiarity with cloud-native application architectures for building reliable, scalable, observable, and secure distributed applications in the cloud
This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to drive Agile workflows and maintain comprehensive technical documentation using ALM tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence)
Experience bringing next-generation OPIR ground systems to operations
Experience leading staff/support for operational next-generation OPIR systems
Experience leading troubleshooting of advanced and complex, integrated systems
Experience in systems engineering, testing, fielding, and operations of software-based systems
Experience evolving & delivering end-to-end mission capabilities
Experience establishing and maintaining trusted relationships with government customers, prime and support contractors, and key stakeholders under minimal supervision
Demonstrated ability to create a positive team culture, mentor team members, and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

Provide essential technology subject matter expertise to the Aerospace/US Government program office team to guide development of future FORGE Mission Data Processing (MDP) capabilities, including framework and software releases
Serve as a member of the trusted team of FORGE team representatives to the operations community, along with leading acquisition program office responses, engagement, and discussions with operations
Integrate efforts across FORGE thrust area development activities, including FORGE Framework, FORGE Processing, FORGE C2, and future hosted tenants, to ensure consistency, mission assurance and operational suitability
Lead technical trades defining/refining future FORGE technical program roadmaps and acquisition plans
Represent Aerospace in program meetings and technical forums such as design reviews, technical interchanges, test reviews, deficiency review boards, and site-specific meetings
Work independently with both internal and external customers and with technical support as a technical authority and consultant
Lead and organize Aerospace’s technical efforts to deliver next-generation OPIR capabilities to operations
Participate in program status assessments and independent risk assessments that inform Government and Aerospace management of problems and perceived technical problems and recommend courses of action (COA development)
Provide on-site Aerospace presence and communicating with the customer, SETA, SE&I, and contractors
Collaborate with SETA, SE&I, and Government customer counterparts to meet mission needs

Benefits

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