Sr. Space Data Transport & Threat Analysis Engineer

Location: El Segundo, CA

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

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.

The Project West Wing provides technical intelligence analysis and research for a broad range of national security space and intelligence community customers. The Enterprise Threats (ET) team delivers unique, timely, and independent technical assessments of current and future threats to space-based capabilities.

We are seeking a Senior Space Data Transport & Threat Analysis Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer) with multidisciplinary experience spanning data transport systems and/or communications engineering. Any experience in cybersecurity, orbital dynamics, automation/AI, and kill chain analysis would also be valuable. This role focuses on technical intelligence analysis and vulnerability assessment of existing and planned space-based communication networks to inform resilience strategies in contested environments.

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

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and contribute to technical analyses of architectures of space-to-space and space-to-ground data transport networks

• Conduct comprehensive threat assessments of space data transport systems, including jamming, spoofing, cyber, and kinetic threats
• Assess adversary capabilities to disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy space communication systems
• Perform kill chain analysis to identify system vulnerabilities and inform mitigation strategies
• Analyze foreign space communication capabilities and their implications for U.S. space operations

• Assess data transport characteristics and performance constraints across multi-domain communication architectures
• Review and assess CONOPS for networked space systems

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements - Sr. Project Engineer - Systems and Scientific & Technical Intelligence Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or related technical discipline
• 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems analysis, threat analysis, or technical intelligence
• Data Transport Systems: Experience analyzing network architectures, data routing protocols, communication system designs, or network performance
• Communications Engineering: Background analyzing RF and/or optical communications, link budgets, waveform characteristics, or satellite communications (SATCOM) systems
• Data Latency Analysis: Understanding of timing constraints, quality of service requirements, real-time system performance, or network latency impacts
• Ability to synthesize technical information from multiple sources and domains
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to brief complex technical findings
• This position requires a current and active TS security clearance with the ability to get SCI access.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced Degree: Master's or PhD in engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical discipline
• Cybersecurity: Understanding of network security analysis, cyber threat assessment, cryptographic systems analysis, or secure communication vulnerabilities
• Automation/AI: Familiarity with autonomous systems, machine learning vulnerabilities, or AI-enabled system architectures
• Excellent written communication skills - organize complex materials and concepts in clear and logical manner.
• Excellent verbal communication skills - clear, concise, persuasive; builds consensus through speaking; polished, professional style.

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.