Sr. Space Domain Awareness Force Design Project 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 (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.This position will provide leadership and technical expertise to the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP) for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) force design and analysis - related tasks. SSDP is a fast-paced organization that works complex space enterprise problems in a multi-level classification environment. The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading, guiding and advancing Aerospace SSDP SDA technical analysis for the Colorado Springs-based team. Duties include leading an analysis driven work plan supported by sound engineering judgement, data, testing and strategic foresight to enable government decisions on strategic and operational responses to emerging threats; defining technical tasks and leading matrixed teams of technical and intelligence experts from our Engineering and Technology Group (ETG), Project West Wing (PWW) and other engineers / analysts; and ensuring timely and quality reporting to Aerospace and customers.The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility inColorado Springs, CO.What You’ll Be DoingTranslate abstract customer needs into specific analysis questions and plans for executionLead technical assessments and strategic planning for SSDP in the SDA mission areaOrganize and lead multi-disciplinary teams in the strategic development of new capabilities and workflowsProvide architecture level acquisition support, studies, and analysisParticipate in engagement activities with a variety of mission partners across government as well as diverse industry partnersDevelop, communicate, and defend Aerospace technical positions on a wide variety of program assessments and key technical and operational questions to both customer and Aerospace senior managementParticipate in significant interaction with staff from Aerospace’s ETG to ensure appropriate tasking, progress and resultsOperate as a direct interface to the government program leadership and interface with all levels of Aerospace, customer, and contractor personnelBe self-motivated to search for and recognize technical and programmatic issues and develop related solutionsMentor and support the growth of junior members of the team as well as key Aerospace ETG staffThis position requires some travelWhat You Need To Be SuccessfulMinimum Requirements Sr. Project Engineer – Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering:Bachelor's degree in an appropriate technical/STEM-related discipline from a recognized institution12 years of experience in government SSA/SDA acquisition and/or operations, with a preference for experience which spans SSA/SDA and Space Control mission areasA proven history of applying engineering skills and best practices to the resolution of complex problemsDemonstrated ability to interface between organizations across the broader DoD and National Security Space EnterpriseDemonstrated ability to organize and lead the activities of technical staff and contribute to the efforts of multi-disciplinary teamsAbility to develop and defend technical positions based on complex analysis setsAbility to work in a highly dynamic environment with quickly changing priorities and activitiesDirect experience with SDA sensors and systemsFamiliarity with space security concepts/mission and US capabilities and vulnerabilities to new and emerging threats.Strong written and oral communication skills. Must show initiative and leadership and require minimal management oversightActive Top Secret SCI clearance and eligible for SAP/SAR clearances, which are issued by the US government. US Citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.Applicant must be willing to take a US government administered polygraph test. How You Can Stand OutIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering, mathematics, or science12 years of experience in government SSA/SDA acquisition and/or operations, with a preference for experience which spans SSA/SDA and Space Control mission areasExperience in SDA concepts, strategies, and architecturesExperience with optical or radar remote sensing systemsFamiliarity with Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilitiesWe 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)$151,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership CompetenciesOur 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 StrategicallyLead 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 plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(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 hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectWe 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 CommitmentThe 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.