Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) Architect

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

4d•$117,300 - $226,900•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, 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 Material 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. We’re not just building satellites; we’re constructing the future of defense, one innovative solution at a time. As the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, we tackle the most complex challenges with unmatched technical expertise. The Space Warfighting Analysis Office within our Aerospace Space Security Directorate is seeking a driven Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) Architect to support our DoD customers. This role will dive deep into cutting-edge Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) and Nuclear Detonation Detection System (NDS) capabilities and analyze and design next-generation MWTD detection systems that will ensure our dominance in space warfare. Through collaboration with a world-class team of passionate problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, your work will directly impact national security and help shape the future of space operations for defense, civil, and commercial customers. In partnership with government officials, this position will define critical analytic problems and tasks, and guide the development of MWTD and NDS Force Design products. This role will leverage your technical expertise and understanding of MWTD and NDS systems to develop high-level requirements and concepts for future architectures. As we shape the battlefield of tomorrow, this position will contribute directly to designing resilient and effective solutions that will win the next war in space. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Colorado Springs, CO.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related technical field from a recognized institution.
8 or more years of progressively more responsible technical experience with space sensing systems development and acquisition, analysis, operations and/or program management.
Familiarity with space Missile Warning, Tracking and Defense systems and architectures.
Demonstrated familiarity with managing the use, and interpreting the output, of defense-related modeling and simulation toolsets
Familiarity with interpreting and leveraging and creating model-based systems engineering (MBSE) views and artifacts
Ability to independently work and thrive in a fast-paced & dynamic environment working on complex problems.
Ability to work effectively with integrated Government, FFRDC, UARC, and SETA teams.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Willing to travel occasionally approx. 20% (as required)
This position requires an active Top Secret security clearance, with eligibility for SCI and SAP/SAR clearances, which are issued by the US government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Applicant must be willing to take a US government administered polygraph test.
12 or more years of relevant technical experience in OPIR space systems development and acquisition, analysis, operations and/or program management.
Proven ability to work within integrated Government, FFRDC, and SETA teams.
Demonstrated strong technical leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills.
High level of creativity, initiative systems thinking, and innovation.
Five or more years of experience interfacing directly with customers.

Nice To Haves

Master's or PhD preferred.
Masters or PhD degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related technical field
Over 10 years of modeling, simulation, and analysis experience, with a strong background in space systems technologies, space architectural concepts or joint warfighting operations.
Extensive knowledge and experience with creating, supporting and/or leading technical studies teams examining topics of national significance including tasking and managing matrixed technical resources.
Direct experience with Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense mission areas and systems.
Demonstrated success in directly interfacing with senior government leadership of varying backgrounds.
Experience with digital engineering and/or agile approaches to analysis and development activities.
Extensive experience with one or more space system development program offices.
Experience developing space mission architectures.
Experience working with the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, Space Security and Defense Program, US Space Force, US Space Command or Missile Defense Agency.

Responsibilities

Guide cutting-edge space capabilities development supporting the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC).
Spearhead the development of future space architectures, designing resilient and effective solutions to operate in a highly contested operational environment.
Guide the SWAC’s Government leadership, providing expert advice on technical approaches, force design, systems engineering, and mission architectures for both space and ground-based operations.
Lead analytical efforts that define the battlefield of tomorrow, developing comprehensive analytic plans, identifying critical tasks, and guiding studies to shape the future of space warfighting.
Collaborate with a diverse team across multiple classifications, engaging with interagency, military, and civilian communities – including key organizations like Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Development Agency (SDA), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), US Space Command (USSC) and other Combatant Commands.
Leverage Aerospace’s vast resources to tap into a wealth of expertise, solving complex customer challenges and delivering impactful solutions.
Make a tangible impact by communicating your findings to senior leadership at Aerospace and the government, ensuring your work directly influences national security strategy.

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