Satellite Systems Analyst

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.
We are seeking a Satellite Systems Analyst to join a high-performing team bringing analytical skills to bear to characterize the fast-moving field of international space systems and its implications to U.S. national security space. Participate in a wide range of technical activities, work with specialized intelligence, analyze global space programs, systems, and operations, and influence customer decisions on important National Security Space topics.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Responsively assess the potential impact of current worldwide space and counterspace activities on U.S. national security space operations
Utilize intelligence sources to perform engineering analysis to identify and mitigate space-based threats and threat enablers
Conduct detailed technical analyses of current and future space systems
Develop algorithms to study and/or fuse different sets of information and utilize data analytics to implement advanced processing and analysis techniques
Identify new areas of concern in Space Domain Awareness and proactively develop recommendations for further global data collection and research
Identify short and long-term technical challenges for various customers, including the US Space Force, the Intelligence Community, and other government customers
Prepare technical reports, briefings, and other deliverable materials
Critically review reports, briefings, and other materials produced by team members
Support and develop customer relationships
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Member of Technical Staff - Signal & Image Process Engineering:
Bachelor's degree in STEM or technical area of study
2 or more years of relevant professional experience in signal and image process engineering or similar technical work
Familiarity with space systems engineering, satellite subsystems and space operations
Strong desire to do deep technical analysis
A proactive, fast learner with the willingness and ability to work in a dynamic high visibility environment with routine engagement with government customers and decision makers
Highly motivated self-starter capable of both independent analysis and collaborating with teams
Ability to analyze technical data, produce novel insights and conclusions, and effectively communicate results
Strong interest and enthusiasm for understanding global space activities and operations
Mission focused and eager to make a difference
Superior written and oral communication skills; the ability to work well with other analysts and communicate to senior military and civilian customers
Flexibility to learn new tools/capabilities as needed
Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer sites
This position requires eligibility for a Top Secret/SCI clearance and willingness to take a CI Polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff - Signal Image Process Engineering include:
5 or more years of relevant professional experience in signal and image process engineering or similar technical work
Experience conducting deep technical data analysis, producing novel insights and conclusions, and effectively communicate results and recommendations to stakeholders
Experience with engagement involving government customers and decision makers
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree in a STEM field or closely related technical field is strongly preferred
Deep background in space systems engineering, space domain awareness, space system data analysis, or related fields
Understanding of EO sensor systems
Strong knowledge of RF systems
Understanding of astrodynamics fundamentals and experience with related analysis tools such as STK (Systems Took Kit) or SOAP (Aerospace’s Satellite Orbit Analysis Program)
Proficiency with Python and/or other scripting/programming languages
Experience with fusing and analyzing information from multiple sources and extrapolating to answer questions
Prior experience and familiarity with DoD and IC agencies and organizations
Reading comprehension and translation skills in selected foreign languages is of interest
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)
$86,600.00 - $150,400.00
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 agains