Systems Director - Systems Engineering & Integration

The Aerospace Corporation•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Systems Director to lead system engineering and integration for the Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) space segment within the Strategic Communication Systems sub-division of the Defense Systems Group. The director will serve as the senior technical authority supporting the U.S. Space Force program Chief Engineer within an integrated program office that includes Air Force, Aerospace, SE&I, SETA, and contractor personnel. This is a development-focused role, with ownership of the system architecture, requirements baseline, and integration strategy for a strategic communications constellation. The selected candidate will lead systems engineers and integration specialists, provide trusted technical advice to the customer, and guide technical decisions for a high-priority program. The work is classified. The position is full-time and on-site at the Los Angeles Air Force Base facility. One day per week of telecommuting may be possible, depending on customer needs and management approval. Some travel is required. A current U.S. government-issued Top Secret clearance is required, and U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
At least 12 years of relevant systems engineering experience on complex space systems, including at least 5 years leading technical teams, or an equivalent combination of depth and demonstrated leadership.
Expertise in requirements management, functional analysis, architecture development, and verification planning.
Experience leading integration on large-scale, multi-contractor space programs.
Working command of DoD and USSF acquisition frameworks, including the DoDI 5000 series.
Familiarity with systems engineering standards and practices, and with MBSE tools and methods.
Solid understanding of end-to-end space system architectures, including space segments, ground segments, and user terminals.
Ability to prioritize among competing efforts and drive toward enterprise mission success.
Ability to operate strategically and tactically, set measurable team goals, and remain fluent in technical detail.
Ability to lead proactively, propose new approaches, and adapt amid changing priorities and demanding customers.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including clear and concise briefings and rigorous technical assessments.
Some travel is required.
Current Top Secret clearance issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master's or PhD in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline.
INCOSE CSEP or equivalent certification.
Deep knowledge of military SATCOM missions, architectures, waveforms, and operational concepts, especially protected SATCOM and anti-jam technologies.
Technical range across SATCOM disciplines, including RF communications, payload design, satellite bus, ground systems, and mission operations.
Hands-on experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo or CORE and requirements management tools such as DOORS or Jama.
Experience with Digital Engineering transformation, digital thread or digital twin implementation, Agile SE, or DevSecOps.
Track record of taking a space program from development through operations, including test and verification, test conduct, and anomaly resolution.
Experience supporting the government as a System Integrator or leading integration of contractor-developed systems.
Experience leading TIMs and integration working groups across organizational boundaries.
Enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office and ETG experience.
History of mentoring engineers into leaders and building high-performing technical teams.
Budget management experience for SE&I activities.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain the ESS system architecture, functional decomposition, requirements allocation, and interface definition across the space, ground, and user segments.
Direct requirements management through development, decomposition, allocation, verification, and traceability across the system lifecycle.
Own the technical baseline and configuration control, including change management.
Drive ESS Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to completion.
Lead integration planning and execution across contractors, government agencies, and program elements.
Improve systems engineering processes and integration frameworks in alignment with DoD and USSF acquisition policy.
Direct major technical gates, including PDR, CDR, and integration readiness reviews, and provide assessments to the customer.
Coordinate verification and validation planning to ensure requirements are testable and test approaches are credible.
Provide technical insight and oversight of contractor systems engineering and integration activities.
Lead system-level technical risk management, identify risks, and drive mitigations.
Advise Aerospace leadership and the customer on SE risks, integration challenges, opportunities, and recommended actions.
Work across program elements, organizations, and stakeholders to resolve technical issues through integrated solutions.
Lead, develop, and retain systems engineers and integration specialists.
Maintain effective working relationships with the customer, Aerospace leadership, contractors, ETG, and supporting UARCs and SE&I contractors.
Ensure technical products meet customer quality standards.
Prioritize work and balance resources to deliver within cost and schedule.

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; 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.