Sr. Spacecraft Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$151,300 - $226,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Sr. Spacecraft Engineer for the Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) program, the next generation of nuclear command, control, and communication (NC3) satellite systems. The engineer will work within an integrated program office alongside U.S. Space Force, Aerospace, SE&I, SETA, and prime contractor personnel. The role applies systems engineering expertise to spacecraft development across multiple architecture designs, helping align acquisition efforts with capability needs and government acquisition practices. The position is full-time and on-site at the Los Angeles Air Force Base facility in California. The engineer shares technical-advisory responsibility with the lead for the bus/platform portfolio, including power, thermal, propulsion, attitude control, and command and data handling subsystems. The role supports program execution through contractor-performance assessment, technical analysis, risk communication, requirements and design evaluation, and integration of technical teams. The selected candidate will regularly interface with Space Force leadership, Aerospace personnel, support contractors, and prime contractors. Travel to contractor and vendor facilities is required as needed. Applicants must hold an active Secret clearance and be able to obtain Top Secret clearance with SCI access. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution, or a related STEM field.
At least 12 years of progressively responsible professional engineering or scientific experience working across government programs.
Demonstrated space systems engineering skills, including the ability to explain to customers how specific issues connect to the broader program.
Experience with at least one major platform subsystem, such as power, propulsion, attitude control, timing, or thermal subsystems.
Project leadership experience, including the ability to work independently and advise a team toward solutions.
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams with Aerospace, government, and contractor personnel.
Willingness and ability to travel to contractor and vendor facilities as required.
Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain Top Secret clearance with SCI access; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mission assurance principles and practices.
Familiarity with IEEE 15288.2, IEEE Standard for Application of Systems Engineering on Defense Programs.
Understanding of space system acquisition.
MILSATCOM program office experience.
Familiarity with Aerospace culture and prior experience coordinating with Engineering & Technology Group (ETG).
Advanced technical degree in engineering, science, physics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Advise Aerospace leadership and the customer on prime contractor execution status, risks, issues, and opportunities for bus subsystems.
Maintain effective working relationships with customer leadership, contractors, ETG, and other supporting contractors.
Manage allocated resources and prioritize tasking for ETG subject matter experts.
Collaborate with ETG to deliver technical position papers, design assessments, and briefings on technical, cost, and schedule risks relating to spacecraft subsystems and integration.
Advise the Space Force customer on whether the space contractor can meet detailed requirements with its proposed design and performance.
Lead or coordinate technical integration teams and represent working groups to management and customers.
Monitor and assess contractor performance and delivery under space, ground, and crypto contracts related to ESS bus design and implementation.
Apply systems engineering principles in support of program execution.

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; employees are immediately eligible and vested 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.