Space Domain Awareness Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Space Domain Awareness Engineer to support national security space missions in its Enterprise Effects Division. The work addresses space operations, satellite-system threats, and space domain awareness through systems engineering, architecture analysis, modeling and simulation, and operational support. Relevant mission areas include electronic warfare, directed energy effects, space domain awareness, advanced sensor systems, orbit determination, space protection, debris and reentry risk, launch support, collision avoidance, electromagnetic interference, and satellite cataloging and maintenance.

This full-time position follows a hybrid work model and requires on-site presence at facilities in El Segundo, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Chantilly, Virginia; or Albuquerque, New Mexico, at least four days per week, subject to business needs. The role involves periodic travel within the continental United States.

The position is offered at Engineering Specialist and Senior Engineering Specialist levels. The stated annual grade-based pay range is $117,300 to $226,900. A U.S. government-issued TS/SCI clearance and polygraph are required; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field for the Engineering Specialist level.
• At least 6 years of engineering or aerospace experience for the Engineering Specialist level.
• Experience with modeling, simulation, and/or algorithm development.
• Applicable skills in designing and building filtering algorithms for Orbit Determination and PNT operations.
• Experience with satellite operations and/or modeling and simulation of operational risk to satellites.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, MATLAB, C++, Java, C, or FORTRAN.
• Experience organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute projects or studies.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to support periodic travel within the continental United States.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
• For the Senior Engineering Specialist level: a master's degree or PhD in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, astronomy, or a related field, or a bachelor's degree with at least 12 years of relevant experience.
• For the Senior Engineering Specialist level: experience with DoD and/or IC systems design and space mission architectures.
• For the Senior Engineering Specialist level: ability to collaborate with discipline experts to develop technical positions, provide risk assessments, and formulate courses of action.
• For the Senior Engineering Specialist level: demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative on-site work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s and/or Ph.D. in engineering, science, or a related technical field.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Military or operational background, such as experience as an orbit analyst, space control operator, intelligence analyst, or battle manager in air, maritime, or missile defense domains.
• Sensor operations experience, including familiarity with Space Surveillance Network sensors or other space surveillance systems such as intelligence sensors.
• Experience with orbit determination, filtering, PNT analyses, and sensor tracking.
• Command and control background.
• EO/IR sensor expertise or active/passive RF collection modeling experience.
• Systems engineering or architecture development experience.
• Collision avoidance and debris risk modeling experience.
• Familiarity with electromagnetic interference related to spacecraft or launch vehicles.
• Demonstrated experience in development and analysis related to space object cataloging.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate risks to satellite operations from interference, optical threats, debris, collisions, and counterspace activities.
• Contribute to electronic warfare, orbital warfare, and directed energy mission planning and analysis.
• Use custom, commercial, and government tools to model and simulate complex space scenarios.
• Evaluate electro-optical, infrared, radar, and passive radio-frequency sensor concepts and architectures.
• Perform analyses related to orbit determination, target tracking, GNSS analysis, and signal integrity for stakeholders and government customers.
• Participate in operational simulations and wargaming that inform future space strategies.
• Provide technical leadership on modeling and simulation efforts and guide early-career engineers.
• Collaborate with government customers, program offices, and technical teams across multiple locations.
• Organize and lead cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute projects or studies.
• Support periodic travel within the continental United States.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level