Satellite Ground Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•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. Job Summary 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 Materiel 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. The Enterprise Ground Division (EGD) engineers solutions across the enterprise to deliver secure, interconnected and resilient capabilities for satellite and mission operations, space domain awareness and space defense. EGD provides systems engineering, acquisition, development and integration support of tactical and operational Command and Control capabilities for missions within the Space Systems Command portfolio. The Data Transport Engineering team within the Enterprise Ground Division is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Satellite Ground Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Communications Systems & Systems Engineering- Acquisition) to support Space Systems Command (SSC) in the development of tactical Command, Control and Communications (C3) solutions. You will work closely with the Government to chart and implement the path to a modernized, secure, and resilient enterprise ground architecture. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or other relevant field is required
A minimum of (6) years of progressively more responsible experience in ground communications networking, satellite communications, information systems development and acquisition, analysis, space operations or program management is required
Familiarity with systems engineering, acquisition, and/or integration of ground communication systems and networks
Demonstrated success developing good working interpersonal relations with internal and external organizations/customers
Ability to work independently, think strategically, and solve problems
Willingness to travel (approx. 4-8 trips per year) to support customer needs, (as required)
This position requires the ability to obtain a Secret clearance as issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
A minimum of (12) years of progressively more responsible experience in ground communications networking, satellite communications, information systems development and acquisition, analysis, space operations or program management is required
Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary systems engineering activities for space systems
Working with or developing SATCOM and space-based missile defense sensing technologies
Confirmed acquisition and operational experience with SSC SATCOM, Space Sensing mission, Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Combat Power (CP) mission areas
Proven experience taking initiative and delivering on commitments

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a STEM field or other relevant field is preferred
Experience with and understanding of the Space Force's Satellite Control Network
Experience with and understanding of Federal Satellite Control Networks (e.g. NASA, NOAA)
Experience with and understanding of Commercial Ground Space Control Networks
Strong, hands-on working knowledge of ground system architectures, especially antenna networks (e.g. phased arrays) and advanced communications network technologies (e.g. remote automated operations)
Demonstrated success supporting mixed government/contractor teams.
Familiarly with agile software development
A current and active Secret/Top Secret/SCI clearance which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Responsibilities

Provide support to the Government customer (C3 Antenna Services) regarding acquisition, development, and integration of current and future ground antenna network systems and operations
Assist and advise across the customer team on systems engineering, systems development, prototyping, and evaluation/integration/test of new technology
Work across organizational boundaries to provide antenna network and ground entry point (GEP) leadership through collaboration and knowledge sharing with contractors, external stakeholders (e.g. SpOC, 22 SOPS), and other Aerospace organizations
Provide inputs to Develop Data Transport and Relay Network (DTRN) roadmaps, identify operational and technical development gaps, and recommend solutions
Evaluate contractor designs and make technical recommendations to the government customer

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