Sr. Space-Ground Integration Engineering 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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) Reconnaissance Systems (RS) Office provides technical leadership and guidance on a next-generation major system acquisition.  We are looking for a Sr. Space-Ground Integration Engineering Leader (Senior Project Leader – Enterprise Systems Engineering) to lead the Aerospace support to the critical development, integration, verification, and implementation of ground software for space system operations.

Work Model

This full time position is based in Chantilly, VA, and requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Apply Aerospace leadership and responsibility for successful development and execution of an integrated space and ground control and processing system, including vehicle unique software and cross-system interfaces
• Provide insight to customer and Aerospace leadership of enterprise issues, risks, and opportunities along with effective and responsive engagement strategies
• Act as a spokesperson, advising the customer in formulating, evaluating, and overseeing continued development, verification, and closure of system requirements
• Act as a senior mentor to team members, providing technical guidance to staff in both technical duties and program office responsibilities as well as development insights during the transition from ground system testing to full operational implementation
• Participate with management in determining organizational priorities, budgeting resources, and directing planning of Aerospace resources, including the identification and recruitment of subject matter experts to support acquisition activities
• Collaborate with SETA and contractor counterparts within scope of responsibilities

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Project Leader – Enterprise Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline
• Ten of more years of space system acquisition experience that includes technical leadership
• Experience with ground system engineering-related processes with in-depth knowledge of one or more technical engineering areas.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with customers, Aerospace program offices, and contractors.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications.
• Willing to travel 1-2 times per month across the country. 
• This position requires a current TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance, and polygraph, 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:

• Broad experience in all phases of ground system engineering from requirements specification to enterprise integration and test to verification and sell-off
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical detail with broader programmatic perspective
• Initiative and ability to lead change; ability to identify and implement efficiencies, and develop innovative solutions to engineering issues
• Strong interpersonal networks within Aerospace and with customer organizations that can be leveraged to establish collaboration and obtain sponsorship for / commitment to projects
• Experience working in a nation security space system program office leading personnel
• Master’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline

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 pi