Software 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 Aerospace Space Domain Superiority Directorate, in the Special Programs Division, supports a broad array of Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power missions covering the entire threat response chain from the Space Domain Awareness function through the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities.

We are looking for a Software System Engineer to contribute to a team that is developing and delivering a critical space control capability to guarantee space superiority for our nation. This work is focused on supporting all aspects of implementing programs within the tightly integrated program office consisting of military, Aerospace, and SETA personnel. You will work on site in the government program office, where you will have frequent interaction with the government and support contractors. This opportunity will also collaborate with National Security Space mission partners that are building and integrating capabilities. This position allows for the opportunity to see your contributions to a critical mission become realized in the near future.

Work Model

This position requires 100% on site work in Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Oversee the delivery of highly scalable, fault-tolerant, and secure systems
• Define and enforce software standards, ensuring that solutions meet performance, security, and scalability requirements
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and external vendors to develop technical roadmaps and timelines
• Lead technical reviews and design discussions with multiple vendors to ensure system integration aligns with overall project objectives
• Establish and implement middleware and modular design frameworks (e.g., AUTOSAR, DDS, ROS) to support a modular software ecosystem
• Develop and maintain documentation for all systems and components
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and certifications relevant to the space domain (e.g., ECSS, CCSDS)
• Provide mentorship and guidance to development teams and vendors to ensure software best practices are followed
• Collaborate on system testing, validation, and verification with teams to ensure a smooth performance of systems
• Act as a point of escalation for complex technical challenges, working closely with vendors to troubleshoot and resolve issues

What You Need To Be Successful – Project Engineer - Systems Software Engineering and Cloud Computing Architecture

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM field
• 8+ years of experience in software, system design, and systems integration
• Proven experience working with vendors to deliver large-scale, multi-component systems
• Strong knowledge of cloud-native architectures and containerization technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker)
• Experience with distributed systems, microservices, and event-driven architectures
• Hands-on experience with DevOps practices, including CI/CD, automated testing, and infrastructure as code
• Excellent communication skills, with a strong ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams and vendors
• Strong leadership and project management skills to drive cross-team alignment and vendor delivery
• This position requires a TS/SCI, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced Technical Degree

• Experience in the space or aerospace industry
• Expertise in modular software design and middleware frameworks (e.g., AUTOSAR, DDS, ROS, or similar)
• Familiarity with space-related standards, such as ECSS or CCSDS
• Knowledge of high-performance computing, real-time systems, and security for mission-critical applications (Risk Management Framework)
• Familiarity with AI/ML technologies and their applications in