Systems and Mission Assurance Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • Cape Canaveral AFS, FL

6d • 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 Launch Systems Division (LSD) delivers innovative, mission-critical solutions across military, and commercial space programs, partnering directly with organizations like the U.S. Space Force, NASA, DARPA and NRO. Within LSD, our Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering team serves as the technical backbone for high-visibility space procurement and prototype programs, translating complex mission requirements into actionable engineering guidance. We are looking for a Systems and Mission Assurance Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer) to join a team supporting the U.S. Space Force's Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program office, shaping next-generation capabilities in satellite refueling, space tugs, orbital debris mitigation, and cislunar operations. This role sits at the intersection of cutting-edge space technology and mission assurance, directly influencing how LSD advances the Space Force's future on-orbit servicing capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in Engineering or STEM-related technical area of study
• 8 or more years of professional growth and related experience with space vehicle hardware
• Some demonstrated understanding and experience with space vehicle design, assembly, testing, operations, and analysis
• Track record in coordinating or participating on multi-disciplinary technical teams
• Some demonstrated ability to work independently and directly with customers in a dynamic environment with a geographically dispersed team
• Ability to travel as needed (mostly domestic)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government .
• U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• 12 or more years of professional growth and related experience with space vehicle hardware
• Demonstrated understanding and experience with space vehicle design, assembly, integration, testing, operations, and analysis
• Experience in coordinating and leading on multi-disciplinary technical teams
• Ability to work independently and directly with customers in a dynamic environment with a geographically dispersed team

Nice To Haves

• Active/current Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Expertise in design, analysis, and testing of spacecraft hardware
• Hands-on experience working with small prototype space vehicles
• Experience with Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD)
• Strong foundational knowledge of satellite orbital mechanics and optimization techniques
• Experience with DoD requirements, budgeting, and procurement processes
• Experience collaborating with the USSF, NASA, NRO/OSL and industry partners

Responsibilities

• Work closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team within the SML Program Office on program management and systems engineering
• Coordinate and provide engineering support for SML prototype contract(s)
• Provide technical expertise to support SML procurement strategy
• Develop SML interface documents and standards
• Communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, Space Force, and contractor teams

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level