Missile Warning/Tracking/Defense System Test Engineer, Senior Project Leader

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Aerospace Corporation Defense Systems Group (DSG) serves as the technical and programmatic advisor to the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) for acquiring, developing, and fielding capabilities for the United States Space Command and joint warfighter, as well as to maintain America’s comprehensive military advantage in space.

As a Senior Project Leader in the Space Based Sensing Division, you will provide system test support to the SSC Space Sensing Directorate Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) programs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide the government with system test expertise and apply disciplined system test methods, processes, and tools to enable the effective system testing within the Missile Warning/Tracking/Defense Enterprise

• Participate in program status assessments and independent risk assessments that inform Government and Aerospace management of perceived system test issues and recommend courses of action

• Contribute to the Government’s oversight of and insight for contractor system test strategies and detailed planning for their system functional and performance testing for the ground, space, and combined ground-space capabilities

• Prepare briefings and reports to provide status and recommendations to the Government and Aerospace management on the technical assessments and analyses performed by Aerospace to support the system test process

• Interact regularly with Government teams, development contractors, and other collaborators across the Missile Warning/Tracking/Defense Enterprise

• Define critical system test decision points and milestones/events to ensure the successful transitioning of system capabilities from development to operations

• Contribute to the building of a Missile Warning/Tracking/Defense Enterprise test team to make an organizational/operational impact

• Support the recently established Missile Warning Integrated Test Force (ITF) activities related to the SSC Space Sensing Directorate programs, including providing detailed test planning, execution, analysis, and reporting during the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) ground system integrated DT/OT phases

Work Model: This position is 100% on-site; however, telecommuting is possible depending on customer needs.

What You Need to be Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field

• 12 years of related professional engineering/scientific experience with at least 8 years of current space system test experience with national security space systems

• OPIR background that has breadth and depth of the SSC Space Sensing portfolio (e.g., SBIRS, Next Generation OPIR GEO/Polar, FORGE, S2E2, MEO Missile Track Custody)

• Extensive experience with enterprise/system requirements and lower-level requirements that will support verification/sell-off of higher-level requirements

• Strong foundational background/expertise in MW/MD/MT test planning and execution and evaluation of operational suitability, effectiveness, and survivability

• This position requires a current Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI, which is issued by the US Government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Capability to travel (mainly California and Colorado)

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM area

• A current Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US Government

• Knowledge of Digital Engineering concepts and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and techniques

• Demonstrated capability to work in a highly dynamic program office environment with a mix of Government, FFRDC and SETA personnel

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for