Chief Integration 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.

Aerospace is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Integrator to join our team. In this critical role you will be responsible for integrating and synchronizing the engineering efforts across multiple mission threads. Your expertise in systems thinking, cross-functional leadership, and strategic planning will ensure that our various engineering teams work together seamlessly toward our overarching mission objectives.

Based in the Mission Integration subdivision of the Space Architecture and Integration Division (SAID), you will serve as the vital link between strategic objectives and operational execution. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with the Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO) at the Space Systems Command (SSC) and partner with key mission organizations to deliver critical capabilities across the National Security Space Enterprise. Working together with government counterparts and FFRDC personnel, you will integrate advanced space enterprise architectures to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the United States Space Force.

You will work alongside the division’s Chief Architect to translate enterprise-level policies and strategic recommendations into actionable outcomes. By implementing efficient workflows and product frameworks, you will help ensure that mission-critical products are delivered on schedule, meet rigorous standards, and continuously evolve to support both current operations and the development of future space architectures.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading enterprise integration across multiple mission threads by implementing scalable and actionable workflows and product frameworks
• Managing critical interfaces between major enterprise elements and coordinating cross-cutting analyses
• Serving as a senior technical authority on multiple space enterprise missions and capabilities, coordinating cross-functional teams and acting as a principal technical representative to Space Force customers
• Providing technical leadership and mentorship to team members
• Collaborating with leadership to deliver integrated national security space enterprise solutions

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements - Sr. Project Leader - Enterprise Systems Engineering​:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics or equivalent technical degree
• 12 or more years of proven, related experience in integrating complex systems
• Strong background with the Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE) flow
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and respond to management/customer needs
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into actionable, near-term objectives
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• A track record of taking initiative and delivering on commitments
• Willing to travel occasionally to customer sites and meetings (approximately 20% time)
• Active Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information access (TS/SCI). Security clearance is issued by the U.S. Government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced technical degree in engineering, science, or math
• Familiarity with the SSIO increment approach, the Space Mission Integration Team design reference missions, and other foundational enterprise capability frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams that generate well-defined products in a dynamic and evolving information environment
• Demonstrated ability to impact decisions of customer leadership at the Center and Pentagon levels
• Active TS/SCI clearance with Special Access Program portfolio access

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 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.