USNDS Chief 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.

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.

The United States (US) Nuclear Detonation (NUDET) Detection System (USNDS) provides the worldwide capability to detect, locate, and report nuclear explosions in the Earth’s atmosphere and in space in near real-time. Space Systems Command (SSC) is responsible for the development of the next-generation USNDS Build 7 ground segment, integration and checkout of the USNDS sensor suite on host space vehicles, and systems engineering across the segments. If selected, you will serve as the Chief Engineer of the USNDS Branch within the Strategic Missile Warning Ground Acquisition Delta (SSC/SNG), providing proactive technical support to the customer in all areas of USNDS with a specific focus on USNDS ground segment development, and working closely with Aerospace management to identify technical priorities and coordinate resources to effectively support the US Space Force Materiel Leader for USNDS.

Work Model

This is a hybrid role based in El Segundo, CA that will call for an estimate 2-3 days of on-site

What You’ll Be Doing

• Direct all program office technical work in support of SSC/SNG USNDS goals, including technical baseline management, program milestone review execution, and technical studies development.
• Advise the government on the USNDS ground segment acquisition risk / opportunity trade space.
• Conduct analyses and provide recommendations to the government on the future strategic direction of the USNDS enterprise.
• Collaborate with government, SE&I, SETA, and contractor leadership counterparts to coordinate program technical activities.
• Provide program status and achievements orally and through timely written reports to the government and Aerospace management.
• Coordinate closely with Aerospace management to identify Aerospace technical priorities in support of the USNDS program and provide input to department workload allocation and staffing / budget needs.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, physics, or similar technical discipline
• Twelve or more years of relevant experience with increasing levels of accountability
• Experience guiding and collaborating with small teams to resolve technical issues and risks objectively in a dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with military, technical, and contractor teams.
• Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Willing to travel domestically approx. 20%

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Masters or PhD degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, or similar technical discipline
• Previous experience with space and/or ground segments of space systems
• Established experience in complex software acquisition and systems engineering processes

• Established capability to present complex technical concepts in a way that matches and engages a variety of teams and all levels of management
• A current TS/SCI clearance (strong preference)

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 - Mid - Max)

$123,000 - $168,500 - $214,000

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead C