Ground Systems Concept Engineer – Senior Project 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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects. 

Vehicle Ground Concepts Department Description 

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.  

Work Model 

This position will follow an in-person work model with a minimum of 4 days per week of onsite work required in one of Aerospace’s campuses in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, Albuquerque, NM, or El Segundo, CA. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Act as an integration leader and spokesperson for the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department, coordinating across multiple Aerospace program offices to connect customer requirements with Aerospace capabilities and to identify opportunities for new partnerships.  

• Lead multi-disciplinary analysis teams driving recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions for legacy and emerging customer ground systems designs 

• Act as a senior technical advisor for department and subdivision-level management in concept exploration and engineering support of ground systems.   

• Lead and participate in conceptual and preliminary design studies and trades of ground systems, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams 

• Evaluate ground system design and architecture concepts and participate in design reviews 

• Collaborate with government, program office personnel, and technical experts across Aerospace 

• Develop tools and models that support ground system concept design and analysis activities  

• Drive the development of staff through training, mentoring, and coaching across a national organization  

• Coordinate complex technical tasks among customers, managing resources to efficiently staff and execute projects  

What You Need To Be Successful 

• 10+ years of increasingly responsible prof