Ground System Architect/Sr. Ground System Architect

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

33d•Onsite

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. The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. The Architecture Concepts Department (ArCon) provides expertise in architecture methods, processes, and tools to an extremely broad range of customers, including National Security Space (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, DHS, and others.â¯ ArCon staff participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full scale acquisition systems in the space, ground, communications, and network domains.â¯ ArCon applies disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition and operations decisions. Work Model: This position will follow an in-person work model with a minimum of 4 days per week of onsite work required at one of Aerospace's campuses in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, or El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree engineering, science, or a related technical field
At least 6 years of engineering experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains
Proficiency in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering
Demonstrated experience in ground system development, mission control, or mission processing for space systems
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with teams, customers, Aerospace program offices, and contractors; to collaborate with other functional organizations within Aerospace; and to mentor and develop junior staff
Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projectsâ¯and schedule commitments
Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10%
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
At least 10 years of substantive experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains
Ability to identify problem space, assess trade options, and independently formulate courses of action
Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products
Experience developing and presenting strategic decision-making and strategic communications artifacts for senior-level management and technical architecture design artifacts for engineering-level reviews
Ability to collaborate with employees, customers, acquisition program offices, and contractors

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering, math, science, or related technical discipline
A current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government.
More relevant work and/or graduate school experience, greater than 5 years, in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, or model-based systems engineering
More relevant work and/or graduate school experience, greater than 5 years, in space or ground systems. Experience in ground system architectures, command and control, system of systems engineering, or system test and training are desired.
Experience with the Satellite Control Network (SCN) or Intelligence Community ground control networks
Experience with telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) or tactical command and control (C2)
Hands-on experience with system or enterprise modeling in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM)
Experience working closely with key Aerospace customer agencies in the defense and intelligence community, including strong knowledge of their domain and strong professional networks

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in system architecture studies of ground system concepts, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, supporting problem framing, gap analysis, and trade space assessment
Work with Aerospace program office, customer, and contractor personnel as a technical subject matter expert to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; mentor junior staff; support the scoping, planning, and execution of the study; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports
Define system capabilities, system of systems interfaces, and requirements for space, ground, or intersegment system architectures to address user needs and perspectives
Collaborate with other Aerospace personnel to marshal technical expertise in multiple technical disciplines and domains to enable concurrent engineering approaches to address complex problems

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