APDA Human Systems Acquisition Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides systems engineering expertise across the lifecycle of space systems. Its Acquisition Planning and Decision Analytics (APDA) Department supports customers in the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities with pre-acquisition and systems engineering planning. The Human Systems Acquisition Engineer will join a geographically distributed team of acquisition and systems engineering professionals. The selected candidate must work full-time on-site at one of the listed facilities: El Segundo, California; Chantilly, Virginia; or Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The role provides technical program advice and thought leadership in Human Systems Integration (HSI) for complex acquisitions. It includes cradle-to-grave acquisition support and risk management for human-engaged systems, helping government customers and stakeholders with contract administration, standards and policy compliance, and oversight. The engineer will also support capability modernization and data management, promote technical and operational best practices, lead knowledge-sharing activities, and communicate findings and solutions through reports and presentations. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one. Domestic travel of up to 10% is expected.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a relevant STEM field.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in space-related acquisition and systems engineering.
• Coursework and/or experience in Human Systems (HS), Human Factors Engineering (HFE), or Human Systems Integration (HSI).
• Previous experience leading highly technical project teams.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes excellence and collaboration.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10%.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a relevant STEM field, with emphasis on HS/HFE/HSI.
• Prior leadership or management experience, particularly in acquisition and systems engineering processes.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.
• Knowledge of government acquisition and systems engineering policies and practices (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA), space systems, and advanced space technologies.
• Familiarity with systems engineering and acquisition concepts, especially end-user operations.
• Affiliation with a systems engineering, acquisition, and/or HSI/HF/HSE professional organization.
• Publications, presentations, or contributions within the acquisition and/or systems engineering professional community or academia.
• Certification in acquisition, systems engineering, and/or HSI/HF/HSE from a recognized professional society (e.g., INCOSE, DAU).
• Active TS and/or SSBI/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership and engineering support for effective Human Systems Integration (HSI) in complex acquisitions across customers and classification levels.
• Advise stakeholders and government customers through cradle-to-grave acquisition support and risk management for human-engaged systems.
• Support effective contract administration, standards and policy compliance, and oversight using best practices and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with government program offices, stakeholders, and colleagues to provide agile, responsive advice on human systems engineering acquisition and innovation strategies.
• Support modernization of capabilities for managing, integrating, and sharing data across the subdivision.
• Help ensure implementation of technical and operational best practices and lessons learned.
• Host educational workshops, brown-bag lunch sessions, and training programs to promote knowledge sharing.
• Develop and deliver accurate, timely reports and presentations that communicate results and solutions for critical decisions.
• Lead highly technical project teams.

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 contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; immediate eligibility and vesting 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