Project Leader - Operational Prototype Integration

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

3d•$120,800 - $181,100•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Project Leader – Operational Prototype Integration (Project Leader - Technical Project Management) for its Space Warfighting Directorate within the Defense Systems Group. The role supports the United States Space Force, United States Space Command, and USSF Space Component Field Commands by developing, fielding, integrating, and sustaining software and hardware prototypes that deliver operational value to space warfighters. The position serves as technical deputy to Aerospace’s Component Technical Lead, supporting prototype development, fielding, and integration across Component Field Commands and operational centers. The work is part of Aerospace’s FFRDC for the Warfighter initiative and involves delivering capabilities to operational locations, including Component Field Commands and USSF Space Operations Squadrons. The position is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and requires 100% in-person work. Travel to operational locations may be required up to 15% of the time. The role includes strategic portfolio planning, coordination with operational users and technical teams, on-site prototype integration and training, agile development support, exercise-based evaluation, and assistance with transition to programs of record.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or another technical field from a recognized institution.
Six or more years of responsible professional engineering experience, including software development and/or modeling and simulation.
Effective systems engineering and communication skills to identify problems, develop solutions, and assess risks.
In-depth knowledge and experience with software development, modeling and simulation, or a related technical discipline.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across technical teams and with operational customers.
Willingness to travel to operational locations up to 15% of the time.
Current SSBI and a Top Secret/SCI clearance and access issued by the U.S. Government.
U.S. citizenship, required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
Prior experience developing and fielding operational prototypes or decision-support tools.
Experience with agile development methodologies and rapid prototyping.
Familiarity with space domain mission areas, such as space domain awareness, electromagnetic warfare, missile warning, or SATCOM.
Experience working directly with military or government operational users to gather requirements and iterate capabilities.
Understanding of DoD acquisition processes and transition pathways for prototype-to-program-of-record efforts.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively with limited supervision.
Strong customer-oriented attitude and outstanding skills coordinating exchanges between technical staff and operational users.
Current applicable SAP/SAR accesses.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic planning and management of the FFW prototype portfolio, including roadmapping and resource needs.
Facilitate development and fielding of software prototypes and limited hardware prototypes that address critical operational gaps for space warfighters.
Serve as technical deputy to the Component Technical Lead, exercising delegated authority for prototype prioritization, technical approach, and realization of the Virtual Reachback Center CONOPS.
Coordinate with Aerospace embedded personnel at C-FLDCOMs to understand operational requirements and facilitate prototype fielding.
Deploy prototypes to operational locations and provide on-site integration, user training, and technical support.
Embed with operational units as needed to understand workflows, gather requirements, and iterate prototype capabilities based on user feedback.
Coordinate with Engineering and Technology Group developers, labs, and external partners to leverage modeling, simulation, and software development expertise.
Support agile development processes and manage prototype architecture, design, and technical implementation.
Translate warfighter feedback into actionable development requirements and prioritize them based on operational impact.
Support exercise-based prototype evaluation, coordinating with Aerospace’s Exercise Technical Lead as needed.
Assist in coordinating prototype transition to programs of record and document capabilities, lessons learned, and sustainment requirements.
Foster effective communication and collaboration among embedded personnel, technical teams, leadership, and customer stakeholders.

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; employees are 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.