{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"0bcd7a67af26643ca44d8f33","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/0bcd7a67af26643ca44d8f33","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/0bcd7a67af26643ca44d8f33","title":"Optical System Architect","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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) GEOINT Future Architecture’s (GFA) department is seeking an Optical System Architect ( Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Modeling and Simulation Engineering ) to serve as a technical adviser to the government's future architecture. The office is a high-pace, high-impact environment, where Aerospace provides technical recommendations and solutions for GEOINT systems, directly influencing budgets and acquisition decisions for the next generation GEOINT space architecture. The office regularly engages with customer leadership as well as other agencies, creating many opportunities for high visibility work in the GFA department. In this role, you will lead Aerospace activities that help Government customers define future Electro-Optical (EO) architectures, advance capabilities, and develop CONOPs. You will communicate programmatic and technical risks and opportunities to Aerospace management, Government leadership, and system contractors. For a Senior Project Engineer role, you must also work within Aerospace and across programmatic boundaries to enable Aerospace contributions to the GEOINT and Future Architectures enterprise.\n\nThis position requires 100% on site work in Chantilly, VA\n\nWhat You’ll Be Doing\n\nLead and coordinate domain experts from Aerospace’s Engineering Matrix organization to perform design trades at the payload, vehicle, and constellation level in the evaluation of future GEOINT architectures for performance, user requirements satisfaction, and mission utility\n\nRespond to urgent technical questions originating from multiple agencies (NRO, NGA, ODNI, DoW), NRO Leadership, and Congress\n\nCommunicate programmatic and technical issues and provide independent recommendations to Aerospace management, the Government customer and other contractors\n\nProvide daily organization and technical oversight for task execution, managing pertinent budgets, regularly communicate status and findings to customer counterparts and management.\n\nReview contractor concept proposals and independently evaluate system capabilities against user needs to highlight opportunities and risks to the Government\n\nServe as advisor and mentor to SETA, Aerospace, and Customer representatives as they learn technical aspects of program execution\n\nWork in a fast-paced environment with many interesting technical challenges that require strategy, critical thinking and collaboration to provide solutions\n\nWhat You Need to be Successful\nMinimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Modeling and Simulation Engineering :\n\nBachelor's or Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics or related technical discipline\n\n6 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/science experience\n\nTechnical experience in architecture modeling, orbital mechanics and space systems\n\nFamiliarity with optical remote sensing missions and payloads\n\nDemonstrated capability to address and solve complex challenges\n\nStrong organization and communication skills\n\nThis position requires an active TS security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance\n\nIn addition to the above, the following are the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Modeling and Simulation Engineering position:\n\n10 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/science experience\n\nDemonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams and integrate their results into decision-driving products\n\nExpertise with optical remote sensing missions and payloads\n\nHow You Can Stand Out\nIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:\n\nStrong understanding of GEOINT architectures\n\nExpertise in visible and/or infrared (IR) electro-optical sensors and associated technology\n\nDetailed knowledge of relevant Aerospace resources and demonstrated experience in planning or conducting architectural and optimization trade‑studies\n\nExperience developing visualizations using modeling and simulation software to depict constellations and architectures\n\nProgram Office experience working directly with contractors, SETA and government customers\n\nExperience working within the intelligence community and advising senior officials\n\nWe 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.\n\n(Min - Max)\n\n$117,300.00 - $226,900.00\n\nPay Basis: Annual\n\nLeadership Competencies\nOur 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:\n\nOperate Strategically\n\nLead Change\n\nEngage with Impact\n\nFoster Innovation\n\nDeliver Results\n\nWays We Reward Our Employees\nDuring your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry‑leading benefits.\n\nBenefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:\n\nComprehensive health care and wellness plans\n\nPaid holidays, sick time, and vacation\n\nStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options\n\n401(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\n\nFlexible spending accounts\n\nVariable pay program for exceptional contributions\n\nRelocation assistance\n\nProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your career\n\nEducation assistance programs\n\nAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect\n\nWe 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.\n\nEqual Opportunity Commitment\nThe Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Aero","rawCompany":"aero","city":"Chantilly","state":"VA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-09-04T03:19:34.633Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"11-9041.00","title":"Architectural and Engineering Managers","slug":"architectural-and-engineering-managers"},{"code":"17-3021.00","title":"Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians","slug":"aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technologists-and-technicians"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"334511","title":"Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"search-detection-navigation-guidance-aeronautical-and-nautical-system-and-instrument-manufacturing"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Optical System Architect","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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) GEOINT Future Architecture’s (GFA) department is seeking an Optical System Architect ( Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Modeling and Simulation Engineering ) to serve as a technical adviser to the government's future architecture. The office is a high-pace, high-impact environment, where Aerospace provides technical recommendations and solutions for GEOINT systems, directly influencing budgets and acquisition decisions for the next generation GEOINT space architecture. The office regularly engages with customer leadership as well as other agencies, creating many opportunities for high visibility work in the GFA department. In this role, you will lead Aerospace activities that help Government customers define future Electro-Optical (EO) architectures, advance capabilities, and develop CONOPs. You will communicate programmatic and technical risks and opportunities to Aerospace management, Government leadership, and system contractors. For a Senior Project Engineer role, you must also work within Aerospace and across programmatic boundaries to enable Aerospace contributions to the GEOINT and Future Architectures enterprise.\n\nThis position requires 100% on site work in Chantilly, VA\n\nWhat You’ll Be Doing\n\nLead and coordinate domain experts from Aerospace’s Engineering Matrix organization to perform design trades at the payload, vehicle, and constellation level in the evaluation of future GEOINT architectures for performance, user requirements satisfaction, and mission utility\n\nRespond to urgent technical questions originating from multiple agencies (NRO, NGA, ODNI, DoW), NRO Leadership, and Congress\n\nCommunicate programmatic and technical issues and provide independent recommendations to Aerospace management, the Government customer and other contractors\n\nProvide daily organization and technical oversight for task execution, managing pertinent budgets, regularly communicate status and findings to customer counterparts and management.\n\nReview contractor concept proposals and independently evaluate system capabilities against user needs to highlight opportunities and risks to the Government\n\nServe as advisor and mentor to SETA, Aerospace, and Customer representatives as they learn technical aspects of program execution\n\nWork in a fast-paced environment with many interesting technical challenges that require strategy, critical thinking and collaboration to provide solutions\n\nWhat You Need to be Successful\nMinimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Modeling and Simulation Engineering :\n\nBachelor's or Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics or related technical discipline\n\n6 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/science experience\n\nTechnical experience in architecture modeling, orbital mechanics and space systems\n\nFamiliarity with optical remote sensing missions and payloads\n\nDemonstrated capability to address and solve complex challenges\n\nStrong organization and communication skills\n\nThis position requires an active TS security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance\n\nIn addition to the above, the following are the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Modeling and Simulation Engineering position:\n\n10 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/science experience\n\nDemonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams and integrate their results into decision-driving products\n\nExpertise with optical remote sensing missions and payloads\n\nHow You Can Stand Out\nIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:\n\nStrong understanding of GEOINT architectures\n\nExpertise in visible and/or infrared (IR) electro-optical sensors and associated technology\n\nDetailed knowledge of relevant Aerospace resources and demonstrated experience in planning or conducting architectural and optimization trade‑studies\n\nExperience developing visualizations using modeling and simulation software to depict constellations and architectures\n\nProgram Office experience working directly with contractors, SETA and government customers\n\nExperience working within the intelligence community and advising senior officials\n\nWe 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.\n\n(Min - Max)\n\n$117,300.00 - $226,900.00\n\nPay Basis: Annual\n\nLeadership Competencies\nOur 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:\n\nOperate Strategically\n\nLead Change\n\nEngage with Impact\n\nFoster Innovation\n\nDeliver Results\n\nWays We Reward Our Employees\nDuring your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry‑leading benefits.\n\nBenefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:\n\nComprehensive health care and wellness plans\n\nPaid holidays, sick time, and vacation\n\nStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options\n\n401(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\n\nFlexible spending accounts\n\nVariable pay program for exceptional contributions\n\nRelocation assistance\n\nProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your career\n\nEducation assistance programs\n\nAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect\n\nWe 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.\n\nEqual Opportunity Commitment\nThe Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-09-04T03:19:34.633Z","dateModified":"2026-09-04T03:19:34.633Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aero","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Chantilly","addressRegion":"VA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"0bcd7a67af26643ca44d8f33"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/0bcd7a67af26643ca44d8f33"}}