Space-Based Interceptor Fire Control Lead

Location: Huntsville, AL

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.

Job Summary

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 (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, 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 with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Special Programs Division supports a broad array of Combat Power missions covering the entire threat response chain which includes the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities. The Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) Program Office seeks to develop and deploy a proliferated constellation of space-based interceptors capable of engagement of adversary missiles. The SBI interceptors will employ a Fire Control capability that is integrated with the overall multi-layered missile defense program.

Our team is seeking a Space-Based Interceptor Fire Control Lead (Senior Project Leader, Systems Engineering- Acquisition and Operations Systems Engineering) to directly support the SBI Program Office to develop this novel missile defense capability.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at the government facility in Huntsville, AL.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Directly advising the U.S. government on fire control architecture, acting as the technical authority

• Evaluating a multi-vendor solution to fire control in a novel, rapid acquisition

• Representing Aerospace’s SMEs and solutions to the government and Industry to grow partnerships and mature technology

• Working closely with teams of government, SETA, Aerospace and other FFRDCs experts to integrate the fire control within the SBI architecture and within the multi-layered missile defense program

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Space-Based Interceptor Fire Control Lead (Senior Project Leader, Systems Engineering- Acquisition and Operations Systems Engineering):

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or closely related technical field is required

• A minimum of (10) years of relevant professional or educational experience is required

• Strong understanding of fire control algorithms in missile defense systems

• Proven ability to bring technical solutions to government programs under resource constraints

• Experience coordinating and leading multidiscipline technical teams formed to solve complex technical aerospace issues

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically) up to 20% (as required) 

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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:

• Master’s degree in a STEM field is preferred

• (12) or more years of relevant professional or educational experience is preferred

• Experience mentoring in a badge-less environment

• Proven ability to execute tasks in a matrixed environment and establish effective working relationships with customers, addressing their needs, building relationships, and communicating effectively.

• Technical expertise in developing, testing, and sustaining flight software or ground systems for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or missiles, as well as integrating AI & ML technologies to enhance mission capabilities and support technical decision-making with quantitative approaches

• Demonstration of superior communication skills in a fast-paced environment

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
• A 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.