Test and Integration Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Systems Integration and Test Office (SITO) is seeking a Senior Engineering Specialist to support programs in the National Capital Region. The position supports flight and ground segment programs across multiple mission areas, including satellite bus and payload integration, spacecraft ground systems, small satellite experimentation, prototyping and rapid acquisition, nuclear weapons design and acquisition, and nuclear weapons security and non-proliferation. SITO provides expertise in spacecraft and satellite systems integration, including on-orbit technology insertion and systems engineering for operationally realistic, mission-representative testing. The role supports programs throughout their life cycles, from concept of operations and mission architecture through integration planning, system-level test planning, design and development, spacecraft build and integration, launch and on-orbit verification, and transition to satellite operations. The position offers an opportunity to grow division tasking and help shape solutions to spacecraft integration and test challenges. This is a full-time, onsite position in Chantilly, Virginia. Some travel is required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management.
- Knowledge of space and space-related systems.
- Demonstrated ability to form and lead teams.
- Ability to work in a dynamic Program Office environment with government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including experience presenting and writing technical information.
- Some travel is required.
- Current TS/SCI or Q clearance is required.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, astronautics, or a related space systems discipline.
- Systems engineering experience with rapid operationally responsive satellite systems.
- Hands-on experience with spacecraft integration and test (I&T), environmental test campaigns such as thermal vacuum, vibration, or EMI/EMC, or launch site operations.
- Strong personal technical reputation and a record of technical achievement in spacecraft or payload engineering.
- Embedded customer support, independent review, or advisory board experience on satellite programs.
- Working knowledge of expertise across The Aerospace Corporation, particularly spacecraft subject matter experts and laboratory/test facility operations.
- Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and agile methodologies as applied to spacecraft development.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement satellite test and integration methodologies, including agile practices, enterprise performance testing, and proliferated constellation strategies.
- Lead coordination and integration across Government, SETA, and contractor teams to field mission-critical spacecraft systems for national security, civil, and commercial satellite programs.
- Direct spacecraft test planning and execution, including test architecture design, operational testing, data evaluation, anomaly resolution, and residual risk assessment.
- Support requirements development and validation by establishing verifiable spacecraft and payload requirements, defining engineering models, simulations, and satellite test beds, and ensuring appropriate verification techniques.
- Provide integration support to satellite programs and Launch and Early Orbit Phases (LEOPs) and/or Transition Implementation Plan (TIP) through integration reviews, failure investigations, engineering studies, and acquisition support.
- Support program success from requirements definition through launch, initialization, and on-orbit operations, with emphasis on spacecraft interfaces and validation of launch-to-operations transition requirements.
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 benefits based on years of service and 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
