Satellite Systems Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

4d•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. We are seeking a Satellite Systems Analyst (Project Engineer- Signal & Image Process Engineering) to join a high-performing team bringing technical skills to bear to characterize the fast-moving field of international space systems and its implications to U.S. national security space. Participate in a wide range of technical activities, work with technical intelligence, analyze global space programs, systems, and operations, and influence customer decisions on important National Security Space topics. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility at the LA AFB in El Segundo, CA, which requires access to specialized data. If the candidate has access to this data from another location, then full-time, on site work at that location would also be acceptable. This position is not eligible for teleworking.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or Data Analytics is required
A minimum of (6) years of relevant professional or educational experience is required
Familiarity with space systems engineering, satellites, and operations/space craft systems or data analytics background in a space environment
Strong desire to do deep technical analysis
Be a proactive, fast learner with the willingness and ability to work in a dynamic high visibility environment with routine engagement with executive levels of government and decision makers.
Highly motivated self-starter capable of both independent analysis and collaborating with teams
Strong interest and enthusiasm for understanding global space activities and operations
Mission focused and willing to make a difference
Ability to analyze technical data, produce novel insights and conclusions, and effectively communicate results
Superior written and oral communication skills; the ability to work well with other analysts and communicate to senior military and civilian customers
Flexibility to learn new tools/capabilities as needed
Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site domestically. International travel to conferences or meetings is possible (as required)
This position requires an active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Willingness to take a CI Polygraph
A minimum of (10) or more years relevant technical experience is required
Proven experience space systems engineering, satellites, and operations/spacecraft systems or data analytics background in a space environment
Able to guide and mentor other analysts and develop more effective data processing techniques
Collaborate with government customers and identify new projects of interest
Effectively prioritize efforts based on a combination of factors (e.g. impact, relevance, findings, etc.)
Confidently communicate insights and findings and their significance to senior leadership

Nice To Haves

Advanced in a STEM field or closely related technical field is strongly preferred
Background in space systems engineering, space domain awareness, space system data analysis, or related fields
Understanding of EO sensor systems
Strong knowledge of RF systems
Understanding of astrodynamics fundamentals and experience with related analysis tools such as STK (Systems [previously Satellite] Took Kit) or SOAP (Aerospace’s Satellite Orbit Analysis Program)
Proficiency with Python and/or other scripting/programming languages
Experience with fusing and analyzing information from multiple sources and extrapolating to answer questions
Prior experience and familiarity with DoD and IC agencies and organizations
Reading comprehension and translation skills in selected foreign languages is of interest

Responsibilities

Responsively assess the potential impact of current worldwide space and counterspace activities on U.S. national security space operations
Utilize intelligence sources to perform engineering analysis to identify and mitigate space-based threats and threat enablers
Conduct detailed technical analyses of current and future space systems
Develop algorithms to study and/or fuse different sets of information and utilize data analytics to implement advanced processing and analysis techniques
Identify new areas of concern in Space Domain Awareness and proactively develop recommendations for further global data collection and research
Identify short- and long-term technical challenges for various customers, including the USAF/USSF, the Intelligence Community, and other government customers
Prepare technical reports, briefings, and other deliverable materials
Critically review reports, briefings, and other materials produced by team members
Support and develop customer relationships

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