Space Vehicle and Operations Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Westfield, VA

2d•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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) Proliferated Systems (PS) Office is looking for a Space Vehicle and Operations Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Multi-Disciplinary Engineering) with Space Vehicle, Payload Systems, Space Systems Assembly, Integration, and Test, System Verification, and Operations knowledge and experience to support next-generation major system acquisitions across multiple phases of the acquisition life cycle. This role will directly support multiple customer divisions by organizing and leading Aerospace domain expert support of system development from requirements development, design reviews, interface development, assembly, integration, test, hardware delivery, and mission operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical/STEM field
6 years of responsible professional engineering experience working on space programs
Experience with development, test, and implementation of Space systems
Prior engineering leadership or project management experience
Willing to support frequent travel (typically once or twice per month)
Current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
12 years of responsible professional engineering experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments
Proven expertise architecting, developing, testing, and fielding complex Space systems, including satellite platforms, payloads, ground systems, or space vehicle integration in operational mission environments
Senior engineering leadership and program management experience, including directing multidisciplinary engineering teams, owning technical risk and schedule accountability on major space programs, and acting as the senior technical interface with government/customer stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering or related technical field
Experience working Space systems development and for National Security Space customers
Technical knowledge of the current threat environment
Understanding of and experience working with a matrixed engineering organization.
Ability to function optimally, efficiently, and collaboratively with limited supervision
Strong customer focused demeanor with outstanding skills in coordinating exchanges between technical staff and the customer
Extensive experience working with the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group to deliver analyses and solutions for customers

Responsibilities

Coordinate Aerospace technical support for the space vehicle portions of an integrated space and ground system as well as support to on-orbit checkout activities and mission operations.
Supporting Space Vehicle development and test
Providing technical leadership to Aerospace domain expert engagement in hardware development and design challenges
Collaborating with Aerospace counterparts external to the program office across the Enterprise
Participating in non-conformance, anomaly, and major technical issue response teams during Space Vehicle and Payload-related customer activities
Coordinating Subject Matter Expert support for milestone reviews
Providing on-site Aerospace presence and communicating with the customer, SETA, and contractors
Collaborating with SETA and government customer counterparts to meet mission needs

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