Flight Operations Integration 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 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 United States Space Force, United States Space Command, Air Force Material 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.

We are looking for a Flight Operations Integration Engineer (Project Engineer - Engineering Program Management and Operations Systems Engineering or Senior Project Engineer - Engineering Program Management and Operations Systems Engineering) for the Flight Operations Integration & Engineering (FIE) Department within the Space Innovation Directorate (SID) supports the Ground Development and Operations Branches for SMC’s Innovation and Prototyping Delta (SZI). This includes technical support for mission development and vehicle to ground system integration, as well as providing engineering support and contractor oversight of the acquisition and evolution of telemetry, tracking and control systems and technical support for operations readiness and on-orbit operations. FIE provides technical advisement on key prototyping technologies and operational concepts using the Multi-Mission Satellite Operations Center at the RDT&E Support Complex.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Kirtland AFB, NM., which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Assist in positioning Aerospace as the FFRDC of choice for SZI  by providing the highest value in our program contributions  

• Understand and ensure implementation of requirements for EGS ground system design, prototype and test, initial flight checkout for various missions, flight operations, and operational transition support  

• Integration of Aerospace knowledge and analysis to provide responsive recommendations to the customer leadership for on-going programs and new programs added to the flight portfolio  

• Actively communicate and coordinate with counterpart organizations, management, and customers to ensure timely, high-quality development and delivery of strategies, analyses, risk assessments and recommendations   

• Integrate and leverage all aspects/functions/capability of the Aerospace Corporation in executing the mission portfolio through virtual teaming, backplane engagement, ETG matrix, etc.  

• Work closely with members of a diverse team of military, government civilians, prime contractors, SE&I contractors, FFRDCs and National Laboratories  

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for a

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences or an equivalent combination of training and experience  

• 6 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management  

• Ability to travel domestically up to 15%

• This position requires a current TS/SCI or active SSBI, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Eligibility for Special Access Programs  

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Engineering Program Management and Operations Systems Engineering include:

• 10 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Advanced degree in technical discipline (engineering, science or math)  

• Experience with program execution from initiation of a