Flight Operations Integration 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.

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 United States Space Force, United States Space Command, Air Force Material 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.

This position is for the Flight Operations Integration & Engineering (FIE) Department within the Space Innovation Directorate (SID) supports the Ground Development and Operations Branches for SMC’s Innovation and Prototyping Delta (SZI). This includes technical support for mission development and vehicle to ground system integration, as well as providing engineering support and contractor oversight of the acquisition and evolution of telemetry, tracking and control systems and technical support for operations readiness and on-orbit operations. FIE provides technical advisement on key prototyping technologies and operational concepts using the Multi-Mission Satellite Operations Center at the RDT&E Support Complex.

Work Model

This is an on-site position is located at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico.

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Assist in positioning Aerospace as the FFRDC of choice for SZI by providing the highest value in our program contributions  
• Understand and ensure implementation of requirements for EGS ground system design, prototype and test, initial flight checkout for various missions, flight operations, and operational transition support  
• Integration of Aerospace knowledge and analysis to provide responsive recommendations to the customer leadership for on-going programs and new programs added to the flight portfolio  
• Actively communicate and coordinate with counterpart organizations, management, and customers to ensure timely, high-quality development and delivery of strategies, analyses, risk assessments and recommendations   
• Integrate and leverage all aspects/functions/capability of the Aerospace Corporation in executing the mission portfolio through virtual teaming, backplane engagement, ETG matrix, etc.  
• Work closely with members of a diverse team of military, government civilians, prime contractors, SE&I contractors, FFRDCs and National Laboratories  

This position is available as a Sr. Project Engineer or Project Engineer

What You Need to be Successful  

Project Engineer

Minimum Requirements: 

• BS degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences is required or an equivalent combination of training and experience  
• 8 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management  
• Demonstrated ability to work within diverse teams  
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel  
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information  
• Occasional travel is required  
• This position requires a Current TS/SCI or active SSBI, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Eligibility for Special Access Programs  

Sr. Project Engineer

• 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management
• Same requirements as above

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Advanced degree in technical discipline (engineering, science or math)  
• Experience with program execution from initiation of acquisition strategy and pr