Senior Engineering Systems Project Leader

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

We are looking for a Senior Engineering Systems Project Leader (Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Program Management). This position will primarily support NOAA NESDIS’ Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Portfolio Program Office but will also contribute to NOAA’s broader enterprise including NESDIS’ other Portfolio Program Offices (i.e. GOES and SW), NASA, and the National Weather Service (NWS).  Evolving a “connected enterprise” from observation to data-product, this position requires a combination of program management, system engineering, technical trade analysis, and financial benefit analysis skills to comply with next-generation program(s) formulation activities.  A critical success factor is the candidate’s ability to interface with finance and economic teams to plan, organize and direct the completion of OMB-compliant acquisition documentation to fund new program requirements.  Additionally, the candidate should understand NOAA/NASA science needs to articulate the value of observed data as related to NOAA Primary Mission Essential Functions (i.e. societal benefits).  Key stakeholders include a diverse combination of NOAA Lines of Business and NASA project teams.  A hybrid work model with access to Greenbelt, MD, is acceptable. 

Work Model

This is a full-time position based at NASA Goddard SFC, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead, plan, and perform broad-based programmatic and technical activities  
• Interact with a diverse customer groups assigned to space, ground and science services teams. 
• Provide direct support to senior government decision makers regarding acquisition strategies  
• Provide leadership between customers' and Aerospace management staff  
• Conduct analyses & architecture/systems trade studies (scope, cost, schedule) 
• Participate in a variety of technical, financial and programmatic studies to recommend cost effective solutions for future Enterprise architectures 
• Apply a broad skillset to innovative solutions that leverage commercial service providers and/or non-traditional vendors 
• Coordinate system migration activities and ensure partner mission integration at reasonable cost and to mitigate programmatic risk  
• Advise on strategic technology directions to improve mission system capabilities, technology investment, and operational cost reduction. 

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Program Management

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science, or other appropriate STEM discipline
• Twelve or more years of progressively responsible professional experience, including space and/or ground systems and a background in systems related projects, and project leadership in an engineering portfolio organization 
• Strong understanding and/or financial background enabling financial analysis and application to societal benefit analysis 
• Ability to provide systems-based leadership in the areas of space and ground systems, and data science applicable to NOAA legacy and enterprise-level systems 
• Working knowledge of NOAA phenomenologies, observed data, and data products.   
• Experience with commercial, and/or DoD, and/or NA