Sr. Space Vehicle Engineering and Integration Leader

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 Material 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 Sr. Space Vehicle Engineering and Integration Leader is part of the Defense Strategic Space Advanced Capabilities office and provides support to the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Advanced Capabilities (PAE-AC). This role provides technical expertise and engineering support in the development and fielding of critical capabilities.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Identifying and directing potential innovations and risk reduction activities (such as independent analyses and laboratory testing capabilities) within the program office and in support of corporate strategic projects and initiatives
Defining and coordinating teams to address difficult technical issues internal to the program and across program lines, and communicating recommendations to Aerospace and customer management
Mentoring personnel in the program office and ETG
Collaborating with SETA and government customer counterparts to meet mission needs
Responsible for engaging and working closely with customers and other Aerospace Offices to identify and apply resources to ensure successful program execution
Advising the Government on the trades associated with alternative analyses and recommending capability and risk-based courses of action considering operational, technical, and acquisition factors
Leading and coordinating subject matter experts across multiple efforts in the execution of the systems engineering, integration, and test activities, including integrating and formalizing inputs for reports to corporate and customer leadership
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Leader – Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or other applicable degree
12 or more years of relevant engineering/technical/operational/integration/system fielding experience
Experience with development and integration of DoD and/or IC space capabilities, missions, and/or programs in standard and/or rapid acquisition environments
Experience with developmental/operational test of DoD and/or IC space capabilities
Experience working with integrated Government, FFRDC, SETA teams and end state users
Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced & dynamic environment and to work complex problems without clear point solutions
Demonstrated strong technical leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills
Stellar verbal and written communication skills including the ability to engage and effectively communicate with senior leaders
Experience supporting design reviews Failure Review Boards (FRB)s, Material Review Boards (MRB)s, evaluating engineering drawings, conducting risk assessments, and recommending paths forward
This position requires a current Top Secret/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government, and SAP/SAR eligibility.
This position requires working full time in a secure facility
Willingness to travel domestically up to 20% of the time
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree in technical engineering or science discipline
20+ year’s experience working end-to-end acquisition (across Enterprise, space, ground, and user segments) for National Security Space customers
Experience balancing technical detail and broader programmatic perspectives
Understanding of and experience working with a matrixed engineering organization.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively, efficiently, and collaboratively with limited supervision
Strong customer-oriented attitude with outstanding skills in coordinating exchanges between technical staff and the customer.
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)
$155,900.00 - $233,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual
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 disa