Space-Based Environmental Monitoring Systems 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, 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 enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force (USSF), 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 within customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. In particular, DSG provides deep technical expertise to USSF acquisition organizations in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Space Environment and Weather Programs (SEWP) Department directly supports USSF System Delta 810 in providing mission assurance and technical acquisition expertise for all space environment and weather programs.  The SEWP Department is in need of a Space Based Environmental Monitoring Systems Engineer. The successful candidate will support current major programs, including the Weather System Follow-On - Microwave (WSF-M) and the Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) Weather System (EWS), as well as planned prototypes and future programs.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility at Los Angeles Air Force Base located in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide technical support to USSF, System Delta 810
• Ensure successful acquisition of WSF-M, EWS, and other programs
• Perform independent risk assessments, manage the Aerospace internal risk framework, and ensure risk-informed decision making by both the customer and Aerospace leadership
• Engage the customer and Aerospace leadership with impact:
  • Work cooperatively and respectfully with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives
  • Deliberately and proactively share and exchange knowledge and information
  • Communicate in a clear and concise manner

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – Systems Engineering:

• Bachelors degree in engineering, physics, math or related STEM field
• 6 or more years of experience in Space Systems Engineering
• Experience in verification and validation (V&V) of space and ground systems

• Experience in risk management of space and ground acquisition programs
• Excellent attention to detail, record keeping & organization skills, and communication skills
• Willing to travel approximately 25% (as required)  
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Sr. Project Engineer – Systems Engineering include:

• Bachelors degree in engineering, physics, math or related STEM field

• 12 or more years of experience in space and ground systems engineering
• Experience with assembly, integration & test of space systems
• Experience with launch and early orbit testing
• Experience with prototypes and transitioning technology to operational systems

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Demonstrated outstanding record keeping of risks, issues, watch list items for major programs

• Demonstrated independent and outside the box thinking for risk mitigation

• Ability to thrive in dynamic environment, and under sometimes nebulous or ambiguous guidelines
• Ability to track multiple programs in different acquisition phases

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)

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 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.