Space-Based Radar System Architect
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation seeks a Space-Based Radar System Architect in the Future Architectures Department of the GEOINT Innovations Office, part of the National Systems Group's Imagery Programs Division. The role uses modeling, simulation, image processing, and mission expertise to shape GEOINT solutions and advise Government customers on future radar architectures, capabilities, and concepts of operations. As an integration leader for a multidisciplinary technical team, the architect will inform budget and acquisition decisions for next-generation GEOINT space systems and communicate technical and programmatic risks to Aerospace management, Government customers, and contractors. This Senior Project Leader role works across organizational boundaries, obtains technical support from corporate resources, oversees task execution and budgets, mentors SETA, Aerospace, and customer representatives, and identifies new tasks and projects to expand the program's impact. The position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, Virginia, and requires a current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance with a polygraph. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- At least 12 years of experience after earning a bachelor's degree.
- Technical experience in architecture modeling, orbital mechanics, and space systems.
- Strong understanding of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems.
- Familiarity with remote sensing radar or RF mission payloads.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate multidisciplinary technical teams and coordinate cross-functional contributors to deliver decision-driving products on large, multi-phase programs.
- Experience serving as a spokesperson or primary technical liaison between a working group and management or customer stakeholders.
- Experience monitoring or contributing to budget development and task execution oversight.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff, SETA personnel, and customer representatives in technical program execution.
- Current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance with a polygraph, issued by the U.S. government.
- U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of GEOINT architectures, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Moving Target Indication (MTI).
- Experience planning or conducting architectural and optimization trade studies.
- Experience developing visualizations using modeling and simulation software to depict constellations and architectures.
- Program Office experience working directly with contractors, SETA, and Government customers.
- Experience working within the intelligence community and advising senior officials.
- Prior experience in an engineering matrix supporting program office and customer senior leadership.
- Demonstrated participation in new business development or technical planning, including identifying and securing new tasks or projects for a team or program.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate Engineering Matrix domain experts performing payload-, vehicle-, and constellation-level design trades to evaluate future GEOINT architectures for performance, requirements satisfaction, and mission utility.
- Review contractor proposals and independently assess system capabilities against user needs, identifying risks and opportunities for the Government.
- Serve as a working group spokesperson, communicating technical and programmatic issues and recommendations to Aerospace management, Government customers, and contractors.
- Respond to urgent technical inquiries from NRO, NGA, ODNI, DoW, NRO Leadership, and Congress.
- Provide daily oversight of task execution and budgets, communicating status and findings to customers and management.
- Secure technical support from corporate resources to meet mission objectives.
- Mentor SETA, Aerospace, and customer representatives on technical program execution.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities and tasks that expand Aerospace's GEOINT contributions.
- Apply strategy and critical thinking to solve complex technical challenges in a fast-paced environment.
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; 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
