Space Segment 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.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. 

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. We are looking for a Space Segment Systems Project Leader (Project Leader -Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering) to lead 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 full-time position requires 100% on site work in El Segundo, California

What You’ll Be Doing

• Contribute to requirements development, capability evaluation, and implementation of solutions for challenging problems
• Build and lead teams of domain authorities from the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) to support system development
• Develop, evaluate, and implement concepts, solutions, and tactics, techniques and procedures for addressing challenging problems
• Forge pathways to inform decisions related to feasibility and advise customers and management of activities
• Provide system engineering support and leadership. This includes technical guidance and insight of multiple prime contractors, working with the Enterprise community
• Lead technical teams to ensure that program office and Aerospace Engineering Matrix  staff are effectively teamed to work closely with the customer.
• Develop positive, lasting working relations with customer senior management and all levels of customer/contractor staff

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Leader -Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or related technical subject area
• 6 or more years of progressively more responsible experience
• Experience in spacecraft development (design, build, integration, or testing)
• Experience building and maintaining effective teams and developing good working interpersonal relations with multiple government partners and contractors
• This position requires a current TS/SBI/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 
• Ability to obtain additional security accesses
• Ability to travel moderately

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Systems engineering experience to include space systems development
• Experience in payload developments (e.g. optical, RF)
• Experience with assessing designs for Mission Assurance
• Space Superiority mission and/or mission acquisition experience
• Experience in Agile acquisition of space systems (e.g. bus, components, software)
• Experience in Space Operations includ