Sr. Project Engineer - National Security Space Launch (NSSL)

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.

This position is for the lead Aerospace advisor for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) technical and analytic support within the Pentagon in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration (SAF/SQ).  The selected candidate will provide strategic insights to the Government and serve as an on-site technical liaison for the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) Launch Enterprise Division program office under the Department of Air Force (DAF) Programs Subdivision of the Pentagon and Multi-Domain (PMD) Division within Defense Strategic Space (DSS).

Work Model

This position is primarily located at the Pentagon and will require in-office work on a regular basis.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform duties as the lead Aerospace advisor in the Pentagon for National Security Space Launch
• Support the Director, Global Space Power Projection Division on the SAF/SQS staff and assist the NSSL and RSLP Program Element Monitors (PEM) as directed
• Provide technical support to SAF/SQS, SAF/SQ, and SECAF for launch systems programs and initiatives
• Provide time-sensitive responses to staff questions on technical and programmatic launch systems issues
• Provide technical support in the development of position papers and official responses to Congress, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Intelligence Community (IC)
• Support the development of decision memoranda related to launch system acquisition
• Provide a conduit for SAF/SQS, DoD, and the IC to access Aerospace corporate and technical expertise

The selected candidate must work effectively in an onsite environment with the customer and have the ability to work with senior Government leaders, contractors, other government agencies, the various Aerospace program offices, and the Aerospace Engineering and Technical Group (ETG) to address issues and provide the Government with the best available technical and programmatic analyses.

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or other technical discipline
• Minimum of 12 years' experience in space launch systems engineering and/or operations. In particular, the qualified candidate should have a strong background in launch systems technologies, capabilities, and acquisition, an understanding of space systems development, and familiarity with Air Force/National Security Space budgetary and programmatic planning
• Experience in briefing senior Government leaders (General officer and/or SES)
• Demonstrated knowledge of current launch systems issues and/or prior program office experience
• Possess a thorough understanding of the roles played by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; the United States Space Force, U.S. Space Command; the space system program offices; the defense agencies; the Joint Staff; and other government organizations in the acquisition, management, and operation of the national security space enterprise
• Possess outstanding interpersonal skills and must be adept at oral and written communication
• Possess a proven ability to work effectively with senior government, military personnel, co-located FFRDC, and SETA contractors
• Proactive nature, self-starter, ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Working knowledge of Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) skills and capabilities
• Willing to travel domestically on occasion when required by the customer
• Current TS/SCI clearance is required, which is issued by the US 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 the following:  

• Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or other technical discipline
• Experience/familiarity with the capabilities associated with SAF/SQS
• Previous experience working with organizations