Cubesat Systems Engineering 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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

We are looking for a Cubesat Systems Engineering Leader (Sr. Project Leader) for the Advanced Mission Integration team.  The Cubesat Systems Engineering Leader will execute planning and oversight for the development of a cubesat program for a government customer and will integrate multiple stakeholders’ requirements to build a prototype with the Office of the Chief Technology Officer and the Engineering Technology Group.  In this dynamic role the Cubesat Systems Engineering Leader will lead Aerospace’s support to plan requirements, execute the budget, track the schedule and coordinate the engineering support to deliver a test space system.  Lastly, you will keep the government customer informed on technical activities performed by Aerospace and the development schedule on a consistent basis.

Work Model:

This position requires 100% on site work in Chantilly, VA working with multiple government organizations.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead Aerospace’s support with more than two government organizations ranging from concept development through launch.
• Serve as Aerospace’s technical representative and advisor to the customer’s leadership team to scope and guide the development of a prototype system from concept through delivery.
• Manage people and funding to build a prototype technology demonstrator by the government’s need date
• Build and strengthen a strong base of relations through effective working relationships with Aerospace colleagues, government customers, and contractor teammates.
• Partner with peers to provide a robust corporate backplane.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, mathematics, or a related technical discipline. 
• A minimum 12 years of professional engineering experience  
• Demonstrated knowledge of space hardware components and systems engineering processes, project management, risk management, and tailored mission assurance related to planning and developing small satellite systems.
• Strong technical expertise to coordinate with SMEs in OCTO and ETG to build and develop capabilities for government customers.
• Willing to travel domestically and work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 20%
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US 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 degree with demonstrated experience in aerospace, electrical or mechanical engineering, mathematics, or related technical discipline.
• Prior experience with design or integration of satellite hardware components for mechanical structure or power supply subsystem or antenna subsystem. 
• Prior management or leadership experience in planning and executing a budget.
• Experience operating within the different cultures of DoD and IC organizations.
• Ability to work independently and autonomously to solve problems with a holistic approach. 

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