Space Systems Engineer/Sr.Space 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.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle. 

The Space Systems Implementation Department in SED provides development, assessment, and closure of space vehicle systems. As an Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist of this department, you will be supporting the acquisition of the next generation of innovative space vehicle systems to solve the most challenging problems of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Providing space vehicle systems engineering support for customer programs, with a focus on the intelligence community 

• Leading and participating in studies, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, to assess breadth of space system designs for accuracy and completeness 

• Evaluating the feasibility of space system designs during key milestone reviews such as Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, etc. 

• Delivering products requiring space systems engineering expertise 

• Working proactively and autonomously with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group 

• Establishing high-performing teams with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group 

• Mentoring junior members of the department 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline 

• More than 8 years of relevant experience in space systems engineering 

• Advanced knowledge and/or relevant experience in spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering topics, and spacecraft design 

• Experience in leading, developing, and working on multi-disciplinary engineering tea