Sr. Ground 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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

We are seeking a Sr. Ground Systems Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer - Systems Engineering-Acquisition and Systems Engineering) to support the development and implementation of Resilient Ground Architecture (RGA) initiatives supporting SSC’s Strategic Missile Warning (MW) Ground Infrastructure (SSC/SYD 84/MGI). The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in ground systems engineering, integration, and DoD acquisition processes to support mission-critical space operations infrastructure.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.   

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support the acquisition, design, and implementation of the resilient ground architecture initiatives supporting the Space Based Sensing Missile Warning and Missile Track (MWMT) missions
• Develop and execute strategic roadmaps for ground system evolution, modernization, and resiliency
• Support DoD acquisition activities, including requirements development, technical reviews, and program milestone preparation
• Identify critical ground system development and integration decision points and milestones/events to ensure the successful acquisition of ground architecture capabilities from development to operations
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including system specifications, interface control documents, and test plans
• Participate in program status assessments and conduct independent risk assessments that inform government and Aerospace management of technical issues and recommended courses of action
• Represent Aerospace in program meetings and technical forums such as design reviews, technology demos/studies, technical interchanges, and program management reviews
• Ensure compliance with DoD standards, policies, and cybersecurity requirements
• Support system integration, testing, and validation activities
• Interface with government customers, mission stakeholders, and executive leadership

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer - Systems Engineering-Acquisition and Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Science, or related technical field
• 12 or more years of responsible professional engineering experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or ground systems
• Strong knowledge of ground systems architecture, design, and operations
• Experience with development, test, and fielding of ground systems
• Experience with modern software development processes
• Experience with system integration and interface management
• Working knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and lifecycle management
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proven ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with military, technical, and contractor teams
• Ability to support periodic travel (approx. 1 per month)
• Active Secret clearance; TS/SCI preferred (or ability to obtain one). US citizenship is required to o