Space-Based Environmental Monitoring- Ground System Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Silver Spring, MD

4d•$117,300 - $175,900•Hybrid

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree engineering, science, or a related technical field
Typically, at least 6 years of engineering experience leading, developing, and working on multidisciplinary teams in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains
A strong knowledge of satellite ground systems, Earth observation spacecraft systems, and systems engineering principles
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under deadlines
Demonstrated experience in developing ground systems concepts for satellite missions
Demonstrated experience in mission control, mission processing systems, or data processing architectures for space-based Earth observation systems
Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies
Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs
Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10%
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering, math, science, or related technical discipline
Demonstrated experience with cloud-based ground system architectures and offering (i.e., Amazon, Microsoft, or Oracle) for satellite operations and data processing
Demonstrated experience with hybrid on-premise and cloud infrastructure for Earth observation data systems
Demonstrated experience with ground station architectures, networks, antenna systems, and RF ground entry points for satellite downlink
Demonstrated experience with data interoperability standards and protocols for multi-mission, multi-source satellite data integration and Earth observation (e.g., HDF5, NetCDF, CCSDS)
Demonstrated experience with communications and networking architectures supporting distributed ground systems
Demonstrated experience with software architectures supporting satellite data processing, including microservices, APIs, and service-oriented architectures
Knowledge of agile and DevOps approaches for ground system software development
Familiarity with database technologies and distributed processing frameworks for large-scale Earth observation data
Demonstrated experience with data center design, operations, network maintenance, load balancing, and data coordination
Proficiency in simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, etc.
Experience with international partnership agreements and commercial data acquisition strategies
Familiarity with NOAA mission requirements and operational constraints
Experienced in the ethical and effective application of generative AI and LLMs to streamline workflows and enhance output quality.

Responsibilities

Provide concept exploration and engineering support for NOAA satellite ground system architectures supporting disaggregated observation missions
Lead and participate in conceptual and preliminary architecture studies and trades of ground systems capable of integrating data and services from NOAA, international partners, and commercial satellite assets
Evaluate ground system design and architecture concepts for multi-source data integration and participate in design reviews
Work with applicable program offices and technical experts across Aerospace Corporation
Develop tools and models that support ground system concept design, architecture trades, and interoperability analysis for heterogeneous satellite constellations
Mentor junior members of the organization

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