Systems Engineer for Space Force Headquarters

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.

We are looking for a Systems Engineer for Space Force Requirements- Project Engineer. The ideal systems engineer for this position will utilize the full breadth of Aerospace expertise to help Space Force define and implement efficient and effective processes for organizing, training, and equipping the service. This engineer will provide guidance and oversee the implementation of various MBSE approaches for the tasks of S5S, ensuring they are part on an effective digital-first service. The Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements (SF/S5/8) carries out and executes long-range resource allocation and develops, directs, and conducts programming activities necessary to complete the United States Space Force (USSF) Program Objective Memorandum (POM). It also delivers integrated Service space strategies, policies, strategic plans, and requirements in order to provide organized, trained, and equipped space forces for employment by Joint Force Commanders. The selected candidate will work within Aerospace DSG’s Pentagon and Multi-Domain Division and partner closely with several departments in the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at the Pentagon with occasional visits to Aerospace locations such as in Crystal City, VA.   

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform as Aerospace’s on-site leader for delivering space-related expertise to HQSF/S5S. This includes support to the Futures and integration Division (HQSF/S5SB), the Global Partnerships Division (HQSF/S5SP), and the Strategy, Policy, and Plans Division (HQSF/S5SS).
• Provide systems engineering expertise as HQSF works towards defining and implementing effective high-level processes for a well-connected, efficient force that best enables the joint warfighter.
• Utilize Aerospace resources, teams, and expertise to advise S5S on the effective use of digital methodologies, modeling languages, and commercially available applications that meet their use cases. 
• Assist Space Force in creating exemplar models and systems to facilitate the transition to a digital Space Force.
• Work as a part of the broader Aerospace Pentagon support team to share information, ideas, and collaborate to the benefit of our government customers.
• Engage with impact as the primary voice of the breadth of Aerospace expertise to help HQSF solve their hardest problems.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements: Project Engineer – Systems Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or other related technical discipline
• 8 or more years of related professional experience in systems engineering and project leadership
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and execute and lead projects on-schedule and on-budget
• Experience working with military action officers up to and including O-6 level leadership.
• Direct experience working with existing Headquarters Space Force organizations and processes.
• Experience working through different stages of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process and/or Program Objective Memorandum (POM) development.
• Knowledge and understanding of common Space Force digital processes, tools, and methods such as Envision/WarpCore and other data visualization and decision support tools.
• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience with and/or working knowledge of the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) span of technical capabilities and organizational construct
• Experience briefing senior Government leaders (General Officer and/or SES)
• Possess a thorough understanding of the roles played by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; the United States Space Force, U.S. Space Command; the space system program offices; the defense agencies; the Joint Staff; and other government organizations in the acquisition, management, and operation of the national security space enterprise
• Current TS//SCI with SAP accesses

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.