Sr. Space Data Transport & Threat Analysis Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

9d•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. Job Summary The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. The Project West Wing provides technical intelligence analysis and research for a broad range of national security space and intelligence community customers. The Enterprise Threats (ET) team delivers unique, timely, and independent technical assessments of current and future threats to space-based capabilities. We are seeking a Senior Space Data Transport & Threat Analysis Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer) with multidisciplinary experience spanning data transport systems and/or communications engineering. Any experience in cybersecurity, orbital dynamics, automation/AI, and kill chain analysis would also be valuable. This role focuses on technical intelligence analysis and vulnerability assessment of existing and planned space-based communication networks to inform resilience strategies in contested environments. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or related technical discipline
12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems analysis, threat analysis, or technical intelligence
Data Transport Systems: Experience analyzing network architectures, data routing protocols, communication system designs, or network performance
Communications Engineering: Background analyzing RF and/or optical communications, link budgets, waveform characteristics, or satellite communications (SATCOM) systems
Data Latency Analysis: Understanding of timing constraints, quality of service requirements, real-time system performance, or network latency impacts
Ability to synthesize technical information from multiple sources and domains
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to brief complex technical findings
This position requires a current and active TS security clearance with the ability to get SCI access

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree: Master's or PhD in engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical discipline
Cybersecurity: Understanding of network security analysis, cyber threat assessment, cryptographic systems analysis, or secure communication vulnerabilities
Automation/AI: Familiarity with autonomous systems, machine learning vulnerabilities, or AI-enabled system architectures
Excellent written communication skills - organize complex materials and concepts in clear and logical manner.
Excellent verbal communication skills - clear, concise, persuasive; builds consensus through speaking; polished, professional style.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to technical analyses of architectures of space-to-space and space-to-ground data transport networks
Conduct comprehensive threat assessments of space data transport systems, including jamming, spoofing, cyber, and kinetic threats
Assess adversary capabilities to disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy space communication systems
Perform kill chain analysis to identify system vulnerabilities and inform mitigation strategies
Analyze foreign space communication capabilities and their implications for U.S. space operations
Assess data transport characteristics and performance constraints across multi-domain communication architectures
Review and assess CONOPS for networked space systems

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