Space Data Network Communication Systems 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.

Job Summary

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 Space Communications and Data Transport department provides technical expertise on the newly formed Space Data Network (SDN) and MILNET programs within the Spectrum Warfare Delta enterprise. The Space Data Network Communication Systems Engineer will serve as a key member of the engineering team supporting the SDN and MILNET programs, a rapidly growing set of programs with many missions. Further, this unique position will directly support the system’s broadband and narrowband communications payloads, development of their associated CONOPS, and engagement with their users. This position is for a technical and acquisition role within an integrated program office of USSF military and civilians, Aerospace, and SE&I contractors.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Acting as a lead system integrator for the MILNET satellite communications payloads: working to develop associated CONOPS for the systems and working to establish and support potential users

• Working with other government offices and contractors to determine adequate sizing of the constellation to meet warfighter needs

• Ensuring the SATCOM system supports the requisite number of warfighter users in a particular region/area

• Advising the customer, including government leadership, in formulating, evaluating, and overseeing understanding of system requirements

• Providing insight to Aerospace leadership and the customer on risks, issues, opportunities and associated mitigation strategies and corrective actions

• Working day-to-day to solve challenging systems engineering problems and in response, developing creative solutions

• Establishing and maintaining the confidence and trust of the government customer

What You Need to be Successful - Space Data Network Communication Systems Engineer (Project Leader - Communication Systems & Systems Engineering Acquisition)

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required 

• 6 years or more of engineering experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or program management environment is required

• Familiarity with SATCOM

• Experience building and maintaining effective interpersonal relations with internal and external organizations such as with customers, Aerospace, contractors, or related

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills

• Work integrally and effectively lead the program office team and staff from external organizations

• Ability to travel to customer or contractor facilities approximately (10-25%), as required

• This position requires a current and active a Top Secret /SSBI/ SCI clearance, 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 working in a program office with a gov