Software Systems Acquisition 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.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

Do cool work that matters in an industry that’s booming! We are looking for a Software Systems Acquisition Engineer (Software Architecture Engineering and Systems Software Engineering) to join our growing Software Systems and Acquisition Department. Our customers in the Space Force, Air Force, NASA, NOAA, other federal agencies, and commercial industry need your help to acquire cutting-edge software capabilities to chase the future!

Work Model

• This is a full-time position based in Albuquerque, NM, offering a flexible work model that combines 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing expertise in software architecting/engineering approaches and assisting customers in applying these techniques toward mission success
• Applying skills in various areas including, but not limited to, model-driven development, software systems architecture and design, data analysis, agile software development techniques, enterprise systems, digital engineering and/or other related areas.
• Developing analytical tools and models
• Providing general software systems engineering expertise to support effective management of large, software-reliant programs from pre-acquisition planning through source selection, development, deployment, and beyond
• Participating in engineering studies, readiness reviews, technology planning and insertion; performance assessments, and/or market research
• Researching challenge problems, testing hypotheses, prototyping new approaches, and/or proving concepts
• Presenting your technical findings to government officials and others
• Mentoring junior staff as you grow your own career

What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist – Software Acquisition - Software Architecture Engineering and Systems Software Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or closely related technical discipline
• 6-8 years of significant, hands-on experience in the development of complex, software-reliant systems.
• Broad knowledge of the entire software development lifecycle with demonstrated expertise in at least two areas (e.g., requirements, architecture/design, testing, etc.)
• Ability to perform technical assessments of requirements, software architectures and designs, and/or code
• Ability to assess risk of design trade-offs, development approaches, schedules, and/or plans
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups
• Willingness to travel overnight domestically approx. 10-20% if needed.
• This position requires an active secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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:

• Active or recent SSBI and ability to obtain and maintain SCI access
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or closely related technical discipline
• Current certification in one or more relevant technologies (e.g., Scrum Master, Product Owner, Scaled Agile Framework, cloud architect, etc.) with corresponding experience
• Team or project leadership experience
• Familiarity with government acquisition policies and/or advanced technologies used in space, ground, or missile systems

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every empl