Senior 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.

Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space 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. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Launch Systems Division (LSD) helps our customers develop innovative solutions in support of military, human space flight, and commercial applications by interfacing with organizations such as the United States Space Force, NASA, DARPA, NRO, and FAA.  Our people provide customers timely, value added, decision quality information and analyses to solve technical and programmatic issues to outpace the threat. We are seeking a well-qualified individual (Senior Project Engineer – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering) with proven leadership and outstanding communication abilities to be part of a team that supports and shapes the future of the Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program (USSF/SSC/AAA) as part of the Assured Access to Space (AATS) Directorate.  Our team provides technical subject matter expertise to support future SML procurements and engineering support in executing space vehicle prototype contract(s) to advance SML capabilities.  The program will also focus on refueling satellites in space as well as capabilities such as space tugs, orbital debris mitigation and activities in cislunar space.  Are you ready to launch your career in this exciting new mission area?

Work Model

This challenging cutting-edge position is located on-site at Cape Canaveral, FL.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work closely with AAE and SML Program Offices on program management and systems engineering
• Coordinate and provide engineering support for SML prototype contract(s)
• Provide technical expertise to support SML procurement strategy
• Develop SML interface documents and standards
• Communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, Space Force, and contractor teams

What You Need to be Successful – (Senior Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering)

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in STEM field or closely related technical field
• 12+ years of professional growth and related experience with space vehicle hardware
• Demonstrated understanding and experience with space vehicle design, assembly, testing, operations, and analysis
• Track record in coordinating or participating on multi-disciplinary technical teams
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and directly with customers and a geographically dispersed team
• Ability to travel as needed (mostly domestic)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance, 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:

• Expertise in design, analysis, and testing of spacecraft hardware
• Hands-on experience working with small prototype space vehicles
• Experience with Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD), Servicing, Assembly, or Manufacturing
• Experience with DoD requirements, budgeting, and procurement processes
• Experience collaborating with the USSF, NASA, NRO/OSL and industry partners

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leade