Software System Architect

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. 

The Aerospace Space Domain Superiority Directorate, in the Special Programs Division, supports a broad array of Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power missions covering the entire threat response chain from the Space Domain Awareness function through the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. We are looking for a Software System Architect (Sr. Project Engineer - Software Architecture Engineering and Systems Software Engineering ) to contribute to a team that is developing and delivering a critical space control capability to guarantee space superiority for our nation. This work is focused on supporting all aspects of implementing programs within the tightly integrated program office consisting of military, Aerospace, and SETA personnel. You will work on site in the government program office, where you will have frequent interaction with the government and support contractors. This opportunity will also collaborate with National Security Space mission partners that are building and integrating capabilities. This position allows for the opportunity to see your contributions to a critical mission become realized in the near future.

Work Model:

This full-time position requires 100% on site work in El Segundo, California

What You’ll Be Doing

• Architect and oversee the delivery of highly scalable, fault-tolerant, and secure systems
• Define and enforce architectural standards, ensuring that solutions meet performance, security, and scalability requirements
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and external vendors to develop technical roadmaps and timelines
• Lead technical reviews and design discussions with multiple vendors to ensure system integration aligns with overall project objectives
• Establish and implement middleware and modular design frameworks (e.g., AUTOSAR, DDS, ROS) to support a modular software ecosystem
• Develop and maintain architectural blueprints and documentation for all systems and components
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and certifications relevant to the space domain (e.g., ECSS, CCSDS)
• Provide mentorship and guidance to development teams and vendors to ensure architectural best practices are followed
• Collaborate on system testing, validation, and verification with teams to ensure a smooth performance of systems
• Act as a point of escalation for complex technical challenges, working closely with vendors to troubleshoot and resolve issues

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer - Software Architecture Engineering and Systems Software Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, systems engineering, or a related STEM field
• 9 years of progressively more responsible experience
• Experience in software architecture, system design, and/or systems integration
• Understanding of how to work with vendors to deliver large-scale, multi-component systems
• Strong knowledge of cloud-native architectures and containerization technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker)
• Experience with distributed systems, microservices, and event-driven architectures
• Familiarity with DevOps practices
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