Project Leader - Operational Prototype Integration

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Project Leader to develop, field, and sustain software and hardware prototypes that deliver direct operational value to space warfighters. The role serves as technical deputy to Aerospace’s Component Technical Lead, supporting prototype development, fielding, and integration across USSF Component Field Commands and operational centers. It is part of the Space Warfighting Directorate and supports Aerospace’s FFRDC for the Warfighter initiative. The position is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and requires 100% in-person work, with travel to operational locations as needed.

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 collaborate across technical teams and with operational customers.
Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time to operational locations.
Current SSBI and a U.S. Government-issued Top Secret/SCI clearance and access.
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 from prototypes to programs of record.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with limited supervision.
Strong customer-oriented attitude and excellent coordination skills 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 to address operational gaps for space warfighters.
Serve as technical deputy to the Component Technical Lead, exercising delegated authority for prototype prioritization and technical approach, and helping realize the Virtual Reachback Center CONOPS.
Coordinate with Aerospace embedded personnel at Component Field Commands 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 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, including 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, documenting capabilities, lessons learned, and sustainment requirements.
Foster 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 benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; immediate eligibility and vesting 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