Sr. System Integration & Design Specialist

The Aerospace Corporation•Huntsville, AL

5d•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. 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 Strategic Deterrence and Defense Division supports a broad array of missions covering the nuclear operations/ICBM programs and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) programs. We are seeking a highly skilled Sr . System Integration & Design Specialist to support the System Integrator at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This role is integral in systematically reducing integration risks throughout the design, development, verification, and early integration phases of our advanced defense systems. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally to ensure technical schedules are aligned, digital models are developed to streamline planning, and design ambiguities are resolved—enabling agile iterations and efficient system integration. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Huntsville, AL.

Requirements

Bachelor’s of Science degree in a STEM field or closely related technical field
10 or more years of relevant professional or educational experience
Background in ground architectures and software development
Experience coordinating and leading multidiscipline technical teams formed to solve complex technical aerospace issues
Demonstrated success and affinity in conducting independent research, gathering information needed to perform technical assessments, and communicating findings and recommendations to stakeholders
Demonstrated technical acumen and desire to gain technical expertise in multiple technical areas outside of self-core technical competencies
Demonstrated effectiveness in leading engagements with stakeholders at multiple levels of leadership to drive towards defined objectives
Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically) approximately 25% (as required)
This position requires a current and active Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Strong background in developing and managing interface control documents (ICDs) with a focus on enabling interoperability within complex systems
Experience with demonstration missions and/or Ground Test/Flight Test Integration
Proven ability to execute tasks in a matrixed environment and establish effective working relationships with customers, addressing their needs, building relationships, and communicating effectively
Demonstration of superior communication skills in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

Integration Risk Reduction: Support the System Integrator at MDA by systematically reducing integration risks during design, development, verification, and early integration phases.
Integrated Technical Scheduling: Collaborate with teams to align functionality, element software builds, software delivery dates, and ground test events. Proactively identify and resolve areas of risk or disconnect, ensuring cohesive and timely technical execution.
Digital Model Development: Play a key role in initiating and developing a digital model to coordinate technical schedules. Identify Evolution Plan capabilities and element-specific features. Synchronize software build schedules and delivery timelines, while highlighting and addressing potential risks.
Integrated Design Exchanges: Identifying Ambiguities: Conduct focused reviews to pinpoint uncertainties in the system’s integrated design.
Facilitating Cross-Functional Communication: Organize and lead meetings with experts from various disciplines to ensure element-level changes are clearly understood across the integrated system.
Documenting Decisions: Capture outcomes from design reviews, including decision points, risk mitigations, and recommendations for ensuring design alignment.
Supporting Agile Iteration: Enable rapid adjustments and refinements to design strategies to minimize integration risks prior to critical testing phases.

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