Mission Analysis and Modeling Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Mission Analysis and Modeling Engineer to support a fast-paced Government program office designing and building a new SIGINT program. The position provides FFRDC technical support directly to the Government customer and works closely with industry contractors and Aerospace teams. The engineer provides expertise, recommendations, and analysis for space system acquisition from conceptual design through on-orbit checkout and operations. The role is part of Directorate-H, Electronic Programs Division, within the National Systems Group, which advises the Intelligence Community and mission partners on national and tactical intelligence systems. The position supports mission assurance in the National SIGINT enterprise through acquisition and systems engineering expertise, mission analysis, architectural trade studies, and modeling and simulation. It is a full-time role based in Chantilly, Virginia, requiring 100% onsite work and approximately 10% travel. Depending on level, the role is classified as Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.
- At least 6 years of progressively more responsible experience for Project Engineer; at least 12 years for Senior Project Engineer.
- Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft design, development, and execution, including engineering design trades across spacecraft, system, and architecture levels.
- Experience performing analysis, modeling, and simulation of signal collection, satellite orbits, and/or vehicle designs.
- Experience in satellite acquisitions and/or operations.
- Experience formulating plans, leading studies, and delivering results for a highly technical customer.
- Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
- Comfort working with ambiguous and changing tasks and experience working across organizations and matrixed teams.
- Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time.
- Current and active TS/SCI security clearance and U.S. government-issued polygraph; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
- For Senior Project Engineer: experience proposing and leading analytic studies with minimal guidance.
- For Senior Project Engineer: experience overseeing technical staff and managing multiple efforts at once.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of one or more software languages, such as C++, Python, or MATLAB.
- Familiarity with the government acquisition lifecycle and systems engineering activities.
- Experience with the Intelligence Community (IC).
- Experience working across the NRO Enterprise.
- Strong ability to build relationships and enhance partnerships.
Responsibilities
- Provide subject matter expertise in acquisitions, systems engineering, and mission analysis, and develop technical solutions to improve Mission Assurance practices within the National SIGINT enterprise.
- Assess program office acquisition processes, identify gaps, and lead teams to optimize those activities.
- Conduct architectural trade studies and analyses using modeling and simulation to support technical and programmatic decision-making.
- Use, contribute to, and develop in-house, commercial, and government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools.
- Work with the Customer, Aerospace, and SETAs in a collocated USG facility as an individual contributor on a multidisciplinary team.
- Identify opportunities for Aerospace matrix engineering organization and laboratory resources (ETG) to support concept development, requirements and mission analyses, and technology demonstrations; at the Senior Project Engineer level, lead those efforts.
- Contribute to trade studies informing satellite acquisition and design decisions; at the Senior Project Engineer level, lead those studies.
- Collaborate and communicate with SETAs, industry contractors, and mid-level to senior Government officials in working groups, technical exchange meetings, program reviews, and informal interactions.
- Present technical findings and recommendations to Government customers and Aerospace management; at the Senior Project Engineer level, independently generate findings.
- Provide matrixed technical support to other next-generation SIGINT acquisition activities as needed.
- At the Senior Project Engineer level, oversee technical staff and manage multiple efforts concurrently.
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; immediately eligible and vested 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.
- Competitive compensation package based on performance and individual factors.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
