Military GPS User Equipment Lead Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

6d•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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Aerospace is seeking an experienced and versatile engineer to advise the Air Force Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Program Office in developing the next generation of PNT user equipment for ground, aviation, maritime, handheld, and weapons applications. The successful candidate will provide leadership, planning, and direction to a technical team directly supporting the AF PNT Program Office and programs such as the Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) program, in its mission to field modernized PNT user equipment for the warfighter. As Aerospace’s Lead Engineer for PNT systems, you will serve as the primary technical advisor to the Air Force customer, providing deep subject matter expertise on PNT technologies, GPS M-Code capabilities, and system performance. You will work closely with Air Force program leadership to identify and prioritize technical areas requiring analysis, then coordinate with the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG), government contractors, and other FFRDCs to scope and execute trade studies addressing critical challenges such as receiver performance and integration constraints. Additional responsibilities include preparing comprehensive reports and recommendations for the Air Force, facilitating technical reviews with government and industry partners, and mentoring junior engineers supporting the program. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our El Segundo CA, Crystal City DC, or Wright-Patterson AFB OH location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering or equivalent is required
12 or more years of applicable experience in relevant engineering field
Knowledge of military PNT systems and applications
Demonstrated ability to effectively build teams and establish strong working relationships with management, peers, subordinates, customers and contractors
Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize tasks
Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced program office environment; an ability to adapt quickly to change and take initiative under pressure
Excellent interpersonal, technical, verbal, and written communication skills - organize complex materials and concepts in clear and logical manner
This position requires a current DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Willingness to travel domestically to customer site approx. 15% (as required)

Nice To Haves

Current and active TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Significant familiarity with GPS, GPS receivers, military PNT applications, or microelectronics
Previous work leading and effectively managing projects and/or multi-disciplinary teams
Advanced technical degree in engineering, mathematics, or related technical discipline

Responsibilities

Serving as Aerospace’s lead engineer, providing direct technical inputs the Air Force PNT program office to support the requirements, development, test, and fielding/integration of modernized PNT end user equipment
Actively managing a cross-divisional Aerospace engineering support team by translating customer needs, defining tasks, reviewing work products for technical adequacy, and mentoring junior staff in PNT user equipment
Overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of technical reports, analyses, simulation models, and recommendations for the Air Force customer
Facilitating technical reviews with government and industry partners and collaborating with multi-disciplinary gov, gov contractor, and FFRDC/UARC teams
Traveling to contractor sites for program reviews and technical interchange meetings
Identifying opportunities for integration and development of new, novel PNT technologies, sensors, and sources

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