Mission Engineering Research and Operations Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

10d•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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. The Mission Engineering Research and Operations Support Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Flight Mechanics) will serve as a senior technical authority and team leader for critical mission engineering, space domain awareness, and spacecraft operations projects. This position acts as principal technical representative to customers, coordinates large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines, and leads or organizes interfaces between customers' and Aerospace technical and management staff. The successful candidate will undertake major program segments, lead diverse technical teams, mentor less experienced staff, and demonstrate widely recognized expertise both internally and externally. The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – Flight Mechanics
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field with 6+ years relevant experience
Proficiency in one or more languages (Python, MATLAB, and multiple programming languages for complex software development)
Experience in specialized aerospace engineering tools (STK, GMAT, Orekit) and mission planning/analysis software
Demonstrated expertise in spacecraft operations, astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and space mission design
Extensive experience with data pipeline architectures, distributed computing, and big data technologies
Advanced knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering principles, and model-based systems engineering
Willing to travel approx. 10-15%
This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Flight Mechanicsinclude:
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field with 10+ years relevant experience
Proven track record developing innovative analytical techniques and breakthrough technical solutions
Expert proficiency in one of the following (Python, MATLAB, JAVA, C/C++, and/or other programming languages for complex software development)
Mastery of specialized aerospace engineering tools (STK, GMAT, Orekit) and mission planning/analysis software
Deep understanding of space situational awareness architectures, sensor fusion, and space traffic management

Nice To Haves

Masters or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field
Expert proficiency in multiple programming languages (Python, MATLAB, and multiple programming languages for complex software development)
10+ years of experience in relevant aerospace engineering or operations experience
Demonstrated experience leading major program segments or complex multi-disciplinary projects
Proven track record as principal technical representative to government customers and contractor teams
Extensive experience coordinating large-scale technical efforts across organizational boundaries
Experience leading diverse technical teams and interfacing with senior program management
Demonstrated ability to independently conduct long-range technical studies and drive strategic technical direction

Responsibilities

Lead teams that oversee major program segments such as system-level architectural analysis, conceptual design of new vehicles or major payloads, or comprehensive mission architecture development
Serve as principal technical representative to customer, coordinating efforts on several concurrent projects or major multi-phase/multi-disciplinary initiatives
As Aerospace representative in customer or contractor environment, provide nondirective advice, accept action items, and coordinate pertinent budgets, tasks, and priorities
Lead/coordinate teams comprised of diversely skilled engineers servicing major portions of large projects or working across multiple projects
Interface regularly with customer and contractor program management as senior technical authority

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