Space Network Systems Architect

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

6d•$144,500 - $216,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Network Systems Department is seeking a Space Network Systems Architect to lead development and analysis of future space network concepts and their connectivity to ground entry points. The role includes validating network architectures against customer requirements, prototyping network segments to verify data-throughput resiliency, conducting routing-protocol trade studies, and preparing technology demonstrations to optimize terrestrial, satellite, launch-vehicle, and ground-based communications systems. The architect will also support optical communications networking testbeds, including configuration of endpoint networking hardware and connectivity using AWS VPC CloudFormation templates. The role requires applying current networking and enterprise-computing technologies to solve challenging customer problems. The selected candidate will work full time on-site at the company’s El Segundo, California facility. They will lead and participate in multidisciplinary engineering teams, define and analyze architectures and requirements, direct development of network protocols and algorithms, and lead technical studies and research and development efforts. The position also involves technical leadership and mentorship, customer-facing documentation, sustainment of network modeling and simulation capabilities, and identifying new business opportunities. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and at least eight years of related experience. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required. The annual grade-based pay range is $144,500 to $216,700, with individual compensation based on factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Eight or more years of related experience, including strong capability designing network topologies and architectures for ground-based and satellite networks.
Strong understanding of network layers, protocols, and routing algorithms.
Experience in network design and analysis, and some modeling and simulation experience.
Track record in virtualization and enterprise-computing platforms.
Familiarity with current networking and computing trends and technologies.
Ability to travel to support customers at various locations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
Ability to work full time on-site at the El Segundo, California facility.

Nice To Haves

Advanced technical degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline.
Current CCIE or CCNP Cisco certification.
Experience utilizing Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++.
Strong expertise in Azure, AWS, VPC security, and CloudFormation templates.
Experience with military and commercial satellite communication systems and network engineering.
Experience with inter-satellite cross-links and laser optical communication technologies.
Project development experience and demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
In-depth understanding of emerging communication and network technologies, including 5G, IoT, and IoST.
Current and active U.S. Government-issued DoD Secret clearance or higher.

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in multidisciplinary engineering teams developing and analyzing future network architectures, and help define requirements to achieve mission success.
Direct development and implementation of advanced network protocols, routing, QoS algorithms, and architectures.
Run and distribute tasking for systems engineering tasks and projects involving architecture definition, development, analysis, modeling and simulation, and prototype development and validation.
Evaluate and develop novel communication engineering technologies.
Analyze and simulate complex network architectures and protocols.
Provide independent technical leadership, mentorship, and direction to less experienced staff.
Prepare technical documentation for meetings with DoD, intelligence community, civil, and commercial customers, working with military officers, government civilians, contractors, and other FFRDCs.
Lead specialized technical studies and internal research and development projects for next-generation space and ground network concepts, architectures, and technologies.
Support sustainment and development of core network simulation, emulation, and modeling capabilities.
Identify and develop new business opportunities with current and new customers.
Support customers at various locations through travel as needed.

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 contributions 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.