Senior Space Systems Lead Engineer

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, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

As a Senior Space Systems Lead Engineer (Senior Project Leader - Engineering Program Management) you will be the Aerospace Engineering lead over a next generation space-based reconnaissance program, covering the space segment, ground segment, and systems engineering, integration, and test. You will lead the technical support for a dynamic and fast-paced program at the cutting edge of the Acquisition Transformation Strategy. Working within Space Systems Command's Space-Based Surveillance & Reconnaissance Branch, you will be expected to drive innovation, demonstrate agility, and provide strategic leadership to overcome complex acquisition challenges, all while laying the foundation for the program's long-term success.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Serve as the senior technical authority to the government program manager
• Ensure successful systems integration across space, ground, and crypto segments by developing acquisition documents and applying standard systems engineering, requirements, and test & validation methodologies
• Lead the Aerospace team in executing systems engineering, integration, and test responsibilities, coordinating subject matter experts, and synthesizing inputs to provide technical advice to corporate and customer leadership
• Advise Aerospace leadership and customers on risks, issues, opportunities, and recommend effective mitigation strategies and corrective actions
• Evaluate mission trade-offs between segments and products during design and build phases to determine optimal architectural solutions
• Maintain strong working relationships with customer leadership, UARC, SETA, other FFRDC and capability-delivering contractors, Aerospace ETG, and additional program office support organizations
• Promote enterprise-wide collaboration to ensure seamless integration of technical solutions across Aerospace operations
• Mentor team members by providing technical guidance for both their technical duties and program office responsibilities
• Oversee and manage program staffing budgets, including identifying and recruiting subject matter experts to support systems acquisition activities

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements - Senior Project Leader - Engineering Program Management :

• Bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited program in physical science, engineering, or a relevant STEM field.
• 12 or more years of relevant industry work in systems engineering/architecting solutions within the space and communications domains.
• Proven ability to lead integrated, multidisciplinary teams and effectively interface with senior management from government agencies and development contractors.
• Strong background in systems engineering and integration, with a record of successfully supporting space-based capabilities to meet mission requirements.
• Demonstrated success in working with internal matrix support organizations, sponsors, external mission partners, and development contractors.
• Ability to clearly explain complex technical topics both orally and in writing, and to adjust communication style for diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• This position requires a current, active TS/SCI clearance issued by the U.S. government. ship is required to obtain a security clearance. Ability to obtain additional clearances as needed.
• Willingness to travel 10-15% of the time.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Demonstrated experience with electro-optical systems, space systems in geosynchronous orbit, dynamic space operations and/or space control
• Proven team leadership and program office experience, particularly with Aerospace Corporation and its Engineering Technology Group, managing multidisciplinary teams effectively.
• In-depth understanding of the Adaptive/Agile Mission Assurance approach
• A consistently positive attitude, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and skill in communicating honestly and constructively.
• A successful track record of thriving in high-pressure environments with constantly evolving priorities.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)
$155,900.00 - $233,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.