Ground Software Senior Project Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

67d • $151,300 - $226,900

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), 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. Job Summary 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 to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG 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. The Aerospace Space Domain Superiority Directorate, in the Special Programs Division, supports a broad array of Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power missions. We cover the entire threat response chain from the Space Domain Awareness function through the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology development for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities. As the Ground Software Senior Project Engineer (Systems Engineering - Acquisition) supporting SSC’s Space Safari branch, you will support the Tactically Responsive Space mission by providing rapid response results for the warfighter to address dynamic changes in the operational space environment. You will contribute to a team that is developing end-to-end solutions for the most challenging problems and implementing critical space control capabilities to guarantee space superiority for our nation. The tightly integrated team consisting of military, Aerospace, UARC, FFRDC, and SETA personnel is delivering space and ground programs on tactical timelines. S/he will work on site in the government program office, where you will have frequent interaction with the government and support contractors. This position allows you the opportunity to see the entire program’s life cycle and have your contributions to a critical mission be realized in a very short time. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or closely related technical field is required
• A minimum of 10 years of engineering experience with a focus on space systems development
• Experience in ground architectures and software development
• Expertise with satellite command and control systems
• Exposure with agile acquisition
• Capability to identify and mitigate risks
• Experience building and maintaining effective teams and developing good working interpersonal relations with multiple government partners and contractors
• Willing to travel to work locations and/or customer sites approx. 10-15% (as required)
• This position requires a current and active Top Secret/SCI clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain additional security accesses, which is issued by the U.S. government
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Experience in spacecraft development (design, build, integration, and testing)
• Knowledge of satellite subsystems, including payload, power, thermal, and attitude control systems
• Experience in Space Operations including Launch and Early Operations, nominal operations, mission operations, end of life operations
• Proven organizational and project leadership skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated dedication and commitment to mission
• Experience in the Space Control Mission Area

Responsibilities

• Lead the acquisition and development of the Space Safari ground architecture
• Track and measure ground software development
• Facilitate the integration of multiple satellite systems into the Space Safari ground and assist in their deployment and operation
• Define criteria, participate, and assess design reviews, risk assessments, and mitigation planning
• Manage and collaborate with contractors and other government offices and UARCs on test plans and procedures for ground integration, testing, and validation
• Provide technical expertise to resolve system hardware and software integration issues during development and operations
• Plan and assist in the transition and integration of Space Safari ground into the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power future ground architecture
• Coordinate with government on Memorandums of Agreement with other government offices and contracting officers on procurement of necessary systems, subsystems, and components
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices
• Develop effective working relations with government senior management
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) and X-Labs to support system development

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees