Sr. Space RCO Systems 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.

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.

The Sr. Systems Engineer (SE) in the Responsive Space Branch within the Agile Acquisition Directorate (AAD) will support the program office acquiring a critical space system for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The Space RCO is rapidly developing and fielding highly classified critical space capabilities for the space enterprise. The Sr. SE will actively participate in all phases of a system lifecycle to ensure an operationally dominant space capability is delivered at the speed of warfighting relevance. This role will also be responsible for Aerospace reach-back and backplane activities.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at Kirtland Air Force Base.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support program reviews, design, development, test, and transition to operations efforts
• Act as principal technical representative directly supporting Program Manager (O-5)
• Understand and ensure implementation of requirements for system design, mission concept of operations, prototype and test, initial checkout, operations, and operational transition support
• Provide mission assurance and assist with integration efforts
• Witness critical test efforts, verifying procedures and plans are followed appropriately
• Support integration and test anomaly investigations, providing key expertise in protecting schedule, cost, and hardware
• Identify risk areas and mitigation efforts to meet mission objectives
• Represent SpRCO’s interest in Aerospace backplane communications
• Solicit and oversee subject matter experts from the Aerospace Engineering Technical Group (ETG) to employ their expertise on critical problems
• Work closely with members of a diverse team of military, government civilians, prime contractors, SE&I contractors, FFRDCs and National Laboratories

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• BS degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences is required or an equivalent combination of training and experience 
• 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering, program management, or other technical fields.
• Demonstrated ability to form and lead teams 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel 
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information 
• Travel is required (10-25%)
• This position requires a current TS/SCI security clearance with SAP eligibility, which is issued by the US Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Past demonstration of Aerospace’s Leadership Competency Model elements: leading change, operating strategically, fostering innovation, delivering results, and engaging with impact

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in technical subject area (engineering, science or math) 
• Systems Engineering experience with rapid operational systems
• An excellent personal technical reputation and a record of personal technical achievement
• Program office experience 
• Experience preparing data packages for and working through spectrum management/frequency approval processes

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
• A 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 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.