Space Domain Awareness Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Space Domain Awareness Engineer for its Enterprise Effects Division. The role supports national security space missions through systems engineering, architecture analysis, modeling and simulation, and operational support. Work may span space domain awareness, space control, electronic warfare, directed energy, sensor systems, orbit determination, space protection, satellite cataloguing, debris and reentry risk, launch support, collision avoidance, and electromagnetic interference. The position uses modeling and simulation tools—including custom, commercial, and government systems—to assess space scenarios, satellite risks, sensor concepts, and mission plans. The engineer will advise government customers and other stakeholders, contribute to operational simulations and wargames, and provide technical leadership and mentorship. This full-time role follows a hybrid work model, requiring 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. Periodic travel within the continental United States may be required.
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 security clearance.
- For the Senior Engineering Specialist level, a master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, astronomy, or a related field, or a bachelor's degree with 12 or more 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 or intelligence sensors.
- Experience in 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 space object catalog development and analysis.
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 RF sensor concepts and architectures.
- Perform analyses related to orbit determination, target tracking, GNSS, 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 locations.
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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
