Ground System Concept Engineer/Senior Ground System Concept 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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.
The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.
Work Model: This position will follow an in-person work model with a minimum of 4 days per week of onsite work required at Aerospace’s campus in Chantilly, VA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Lead and participate in architecture, concept, and preliminary design studies of ground systems, engaging with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to support problem framing, gap analysis, trade space assessment, and concept exploration
Work with technical experts across Aerospace to marshal expertise in multiple disciplines and domains, enabling concurrent engineering approaches that address complex problems
Define system capabilities, system of systems interfaces, and requirements for space, ground, and intersegment system architectures to address user needs and perspectives
Evaluate ground system design and architecture concepts and participate in design reviews
Communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports
Mentor early-career members of the department while developing tools and models that support ground system concept design and analysis activities
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist:
Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field
Typically, at least 6 years of engineering experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains
Proficiency in system architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering
Demonstrated experience in ground system development, mission control, or mission processing for space systems
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within teams composed of members from organizations across Aerospace
Exceptional time-management skills and the ability to balance multiple concurrent projects and schedule commitments
Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10%
This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI security clearance 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 Engineering Specialist include:
Typically, at least 12 years of substantive experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains
Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products
Experience developing and presenting strategic decision-making and strategic communications artifacts for senior-level management and technical design artifacts for engineering-level reviews
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with external partners from customer organizations, acquisition program offices, and contractors
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree in engineering, math, science, or related technical discipline
Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies
Experience working closely with key Aerospace customer agencies in the Intelligence Community, including strong knowledge of their domain and strong professional networks
Demonstrated experience with commercial cloud offerings
Demonstrated experience with antenna, hardware etc. related to ground entry points
Demonstrated experience with software, software process approaches (e.g., waterfall, agile), and software standards
Experience with the Satellite Control Network (SCN) or Intelligence Community ground control networks
Experience with telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) or tactical command and control (C2)
Hands-on experience with system or enterprise modeling in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM)
Proficiency in simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks
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)
$117,300.00 - $226,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
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