Sr. Next Gen OPIR Polar System Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

9d•$151,300 - $226,900•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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. The Next Gen OPIR Polar program in the Space Based Sensing Division is actively participating in the building and fielding of next generation OPIR Space Vehicles for Polar (Molniya) orbits. The mission of the Next Gen Polar (NGP) constellation is to deliver end-to-end, resilient, missiles missile warning systems in for the northern hemisphere that outpace the threat. Our primary customer is the U.S. Space Force (USSF), and this position is prime contractor focused with a fast-paced tempo to address challenges head-on. We are looking for a driven, motivated Sr. Next Gen OPIR Polar System Engineer team member to perform technical support in a dynamic team environment. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo CA and support the Program Office in collaboration with the Prime Contractor facility in Redondo Beach CA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or other discipline
12 or more years of proven experience with evaluation of system engineering validation process, understanding of requirement sell off process, familiarity with major prime contractors requirements and capabilities
Deep understanding of OPIR space vehicle systems
Knowledge of ground systems (operations centers, antennas, networks)
Familiarity with launch vehicle interfaces and environments
Systems thinking and ability to see "big picture"
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to influence without direct authority
Excellent written communication (technical documentation)
Strong presentation skills for diverse audiences
Ability to translate between different technical disciplines
Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Strategic thinking
Travel approx. 10%
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or other discipline
Proven history supporting the USSF customer
Ability to collaborate across government and contractor teams
Record of advising US Government customer at critical decision milestones (technical and/or schedule), including performing risk assessments.
Current Secret level clearance, addition of SCI preferred

Responsibilities

Be a key participant and stakeholder in NG OPIR Polar Enterprise Integration Test team which supports the Prime contractor space segment, ground segment and launch segments, with primary focus on the space segment.
Execute independent assessments of segment activities and provide guidance to USSF customer
Key role and responsibility on the architectural consistency and compatibility across segments
Identify and resolve architectural conflicts or gaps between segments
Key Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between: Space ↔ Ground (telemetry, commanding, tracking), Space ↔ Launch (mechanical, electrical, environmental), Ground ↔ Launch (pre-launch operations, countdown procedures)
Resolve interface discrepancies and conflicts
Ensure verification closure across segment boundaries
Present system-level status to program management
This role essentially serves as the "glue" that holds the entire mission together, ensuring that when the spacecraft arrives at the launch site, it's compatible with the launch vehicle, and when it reaches orbit, the ground segment is ready to operate it successfully.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package
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