Lead Systems Engineer in SIGINT

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

Directorate H (Dir-H) provides satellite vehicle and ground command, control, and communications (C3) support to multiple NRO SIGINT directorates. Dir-H is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer in SIGINT (Sr. Project Leader - Systems Engineering) to lead project teams in support of C3 systems. The purpose of the position is to establish and lead multiple simultaneous projects of Aerospace subject matter experts researching and assessing alternative acquisition, requirements, architecture, design, integration, verification, operations and/or process-related solutions for the customer.

Work Model

This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VA or Denver, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide systems engineering and project management on Aerospace studies to provide alternatives to acquisition, requirements, system architecture, system design, integration, verification & validation (IV&V), E2 (Tier 2-4) sustainment, and operations of critical national SIGINT asset development, operations and maintenance.
• Define, scope and lead multi-discipline Aerospace Engineering Matrix project teams (with broad range of technical skills including civils engineering, electrical systems, IT architects, enterprise systems engineering, etc.)
• Coordinate with Aerospace managers in establishing project teams in researching, analyzing and/or studying alternatives to enable customer to reduce sustainment costs and increase process efficiencies while maintaining the customer’s baseline program commitments.
• Interface daily with and work side-by-side Customer, SETA, and Developer teams.
• Present project plans, status, and recommended solutions to management and customer forums;
• Assist customer in the development of acquisitions and/or task orders and contract evaluations.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Sr. Project Leader - Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or related technical field.
• Ten years of professional systems engineering and/or technical project management experience with increasing responsibilities.
• Experience in ground intelligence systems (i.e. acquisition, architecture, design, development, integration, sustainment, operations, etc.).
• Experience in leading technical teams;
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with customers;
• Willing to travel approximately 10% of time; up to 20% if located in Denver, CO.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. 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:

• Experience in SIGINT operations, RF engineering, IT engineering, electrical engineering, civils engineering, or enterprise systems engineering.
• Demonstrated success in leading matrixed subject matter experts.
• Knowledge of NRO internal processes and procedures and ability to reduce execution timelines.
• Experience in leading geographically-dispersed project teams.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$155,900 - $233,900

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regard