Small Sat Systems Engineer

Location: Westfield, VA

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The Advanced Technology Directorate is seeking a motivated Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering to help provide support through the life cycle of demonstration space systems.  You will be involved in programs from concept development, through design and integration, to launch and early operations of pathfinder missions.  You will leverage a wide array of ETG technical expertise to provide mission assurance and technical advice.  This role helps the customer assure that their demonstration missions are successful and expand the capabilities of the enterprise.

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working within a team made to support research and development of small satellites from concept development through operations.

• Helping to provide tailored mission assurance support for demonstration systems in a research and development organization for national security space applications.

• Leading projects that are supported by a diverse technical team from ETG to provide end-to-end engineering support to the customer.  This will include in-depth mission trades, design assessment, performance modelling, and risk assessment.

• Leading Aerospace’s support during launch and early operations.

• Providing technical and programmatic expertise to support program execution.

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, computer science, or related technical discipline

• A minimum of 10 years of increasingly more responsible engineering experience.

• Knowledge of systems engineering processes, project management, risk management, and standards and practices.

• Ability to work closely with senior government management.

• Ability to work in a highly dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10% to 15%

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• An advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or related technical disciplines.

• Prior experience with launch, pre-launch activities, and early operations of a space system

• Demonstrated experience with research and development programs and helping implement tailored mission assurance.

• Prior experience supporting the planning and development of small satellite systems, including mission assurance activities

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.