Senior Space Systems Architecture 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.

Job Summary 

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

The Space Architecture Department (SAD) provides technical expertise and leadership in architecture methods, processes, and tools to a broad range of customers, including National Security Space (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, and others. Members of SAD participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full scale acquired systems to complex systems of systems to missions and enterprises. SAD applies and develops disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition, operational, and enterprise management decisions. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Apply and develop disciplined system architecting methods, processes, and tools in a broad range of architecture-level assessment, modeling, analysis, and conceptual design activities 

• Apply and develop innovative methods, processes, and tools to architect and implement model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering (DE) capabilities 

• Use, develop, and integrate analytical methods and tools to evaluate architectural concepts and system conceptual designs for cost, schedule, performance, risk, resilience to disruptive events or threats, and other characteristics 

• Inform system architecting and acquisition decisions with expertise in relevant systems, technologies, threats, policy, and the industrial base in the space and/or nuclear weapons domains 

• Collaborate with other Aerospace personnel to marshal technical expertise in multiple technical disciplines and domains to enable concurrent engineering approaches to address complex problems 

• Work with Aerospace program office, customer, and contractor personnel to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; build cross-disciplinary teams; scope, plan, and execute the study; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements: Engineering Specialist

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, science, or related technical discipline 

• 5 years relevant experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, model-based systems engineering in Cameo or Sparx, or digital engineering 

• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaborators 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications 

• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects 

• Ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter experts 

• Willing to travel [domestically/internationally] approx. 10% 

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.