Space-to-Ground Systems Integration Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•$100,300 - $175,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle. The Systems Integration and Test Office (SITO) create and review system functional, performance, and operationally relevant test programs for internal and external customer space, ground, and user segment systems. Responsible for performing systems integration and test tasks related to mission and system threads, interface definition, technology insertion, and use of system integration tools and techniques. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo CA (or alternative locations at Colorado Springs CO, or Chantilly VA).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field.
5 years of experience in Test and Evaluation (T&E), verification of space-to-ground or ground-to-user segment interface requirements including systems engineering, and/or operations of space systems, satellites, and/or ground systems infrastructure within the U.S. government agencies and/or aerospace industry.
Direct experience with space systems (satellite development, ground station operations, mission operations, or space system integration).
Understanding of space and/or ground system architecture and satellite operations including orbital mechanics, satellite subsystems (e.g., spacecraft bus, payload), ground system functions (command and control, telemetry and mission data processing, and space-to-ground (or ground-to-user) data links and protocols).
Experience with systems (and/or system of systems) integration planning, execution, and test.
In addition, familiarity with System Integration Plans (SIP), Systems Engineering Plans (SEP), and System Test and Integration Plans (STIP).
Experience with the following: systems engineering tools (e.g., Cameo), test management software, simulation environments (STK, Simulink), or scripting languages (Python, MATLAB).
Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a team environment with strong communication skills.
Secret clearance required (active clearance preferred, or ability to obtain one).
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for an Engineering Specialist include: 8 years of experience in Test and Evaluation (T&E), verification of space-to-ground or ground-to-user segment interface requirements including systems engineering, and/or operations of space systems, satellites, and/or ground systems infrastructure within the U.S. government agencies and/or aerospace industry.
Working knowledge of Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) Test and Evaluation processes and documentation, including familiarity with DoDI 5000 series acquisition policies, Developmental Tests (DT), Operational Tests (OT), integrated test strategies, Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP), Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMP) development and execution.
Experience with test planning, execution, and analysis using test management software, simulation environments, statistical tools, and technical reporting for U.S. government agency evaluation and decision processes.
Ability to independently lead multiple cross-functional technical teams, multiple concurrent tasks, and communicate technical information clearly and persuasively.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field.
Mission testing and integration knowledge and experience for specific U.S. Space Force (USSF), Intelligence Community (IC), or commercial customers (e.g., system requirements, system (and/or system of systems) integration and testing, spacecraft subsystems, manufacturing, test, and/or spacecraft/ground operations).
Have demonstrated ability to take a system-level perspective and flow down salient aspects of system behavior into requirements and assess requirements verification evidence/counterevidence into system level effect analysis.
Knowledge of cloud/virtual architecture and agile testing methodologies for software integration and test.
Ability to leverage Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies to optimize testing workflows and integration efficiency.
Ability to travel domestically 10-20% of the time (potentially OCONUS) for test events, program reviews, and customer meetings, as needed.
Active TS/SCI clearance (or ability to obtain one).

Responsibilities

Lead cross-segment systems integration across space-to-ground, ground-to-user, and space-to-user interfaces for mission-critical satellite and ground systems. You'll ensure seamless integration between space vehicles, ground control systems, user equipment, and communication networks.
Develop and execute comprehensive test and verification programs for space, ground, and user segment systems. Create and review system functional and performance test plans, defining verification and validation approaches, and supporting program and design reviews throughout development, test, and transition to operations.
Manage requirements flow-down and verification for space and ground segment systems, including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), engineering models, simulations, testbeds, and special test equipment. Ensure requirements traceability from mission concept of operations through prototype development, initial flight checkout, flight operations, and operational transition.
Provide mission assurance and systems engineering support for space-to-ground architecture development in commercial cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP). Identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure integration efforts meet mission objectives and security requirements.
Analyze and recommend solutions for space-to-ground system architecture, software design, acquisition strategies, operations, and sustainment. Support decision-making processes through technical analysis, trade studies, and risk assessments.
Establish modern development practices by implementing Agile and DevSecOps methodologies for space-to-ground system software development. Define development metrics, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and automated testing frameworks.
Create integration plans and coordinate across disciplines by developing space-to-ground, space-to-user, and ground-to-user segment integration plans (SIPs), system engineering plans (SEPs), system test and integration plans (STIPs) using Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP) and Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMP). Lead requirements verification activities and coordinate with spacecraft systems, flight software, ground software, and operations teams to ensure end-to-end mission success.
Support operational testing and evaluation by participating in developmental tests (DT), operational tests (OT), and integrated test events. Analyze test results, document findings, and provide technical recommendations to government customers and program leadership.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect