Space Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • Chantilly, VA

14h • $117,300 - $226,900 • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation seeks a Space Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer – Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) to support system conceptualization, implementation, and program management for a growing U.S. Government customer. The role supports a portfolio of programs, including highly sensitive programs in new mission areas, through technical concept development and operational implementation. The selected candidate will contribute innovative approaches to mission-critical work and serve as a technical authority and integration leader for space systems engineering efforts. The position is full-time and on-site at a customer facility in Chantilly, Virginia.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in a physical science, engineering, or relevant STEM field.
• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• At least 8 years of relevant industry experience in systems engineering and/or systems architecture for the Project Engineer level.
• Ability to work independently and conduct both long-term and urgent technical studies involving cost, schedule, and performance with geographically dispersed teams.
• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10%.
• For the Senior Project Engineer level: 12 or more years of relevant experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams addressing difficult technical problems.
• For the Senior Project Engineer level: at least four years of developing solutions for Sponsor programs.
• For the Senior Project Engineer level: ability to assemble multidisciplinary teams and scope work addressing ambiguous issues under time pressure.
• For the Senior Project Engineer level: ability to communicate complex technical topics orally and in writing, adapt communication to varied audiences, and ensure understanding among technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in a physical science, engineering, or relevant STEM field.
• Experience focused on spacecraft or ground-segment design-through-disposal, collaborating across space-related technical disciplines, particularly in delivering resilient space mission solutions.
• A history of successful collaboration with internal matrix support organizations, Sponsors, external mission partners, and associated contractors.
• Hands-on experience developing mission-enabling, technology-driven solutions for the Sponsor.
• Experience identifying capability gaps and developing enterprise-level technical trade studies and investment strategies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical authority and integration leader for multi-phase, multidisciplinary space systems engineering efforts.
• Promote collaboration across the Aerospace enterprise to integrate technical solutions.
• Lead major program segments, including system-level architectural analysis and conceptual design of a new vehicle or major payload.
• Develop mission-focused tasks for the Aerospace technical matrix, advocate for them with the Sponsor, and identify and manage support.
• Elicit requirements for space-related solutions based on broad Sponsor mission objectives.
• Support the Sponsor’s coordination with Intelligence Community partners, associated contractors, and development contractors.
• Advise senior customer leadership, program management, and other stakeholders on technical risks, issues, opportunities, and mitigation strategies.
• For the Senior Project Engineer level, lead multidisciplinary engineering teams addressing difficult technical problems; assemble teams and scope work on ambiguous issues under time pressure; and communicate complex topics to technical and non-technical audiences.

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; immediate eligibility and vesting 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: Senior