Software systems Architect

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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies and foreign governments fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

As a retiree casual employee (MTS Retiree Casual R3 - International Programs & Enterprise Architect Engineering) in the Civil Systems Group you will be part of an experienced team of scientists and engineers working together to create and enhance their space and ground systems consistent USG needs for function and interoperability. Your support will be instrumental in designing a software architecture suitable for an extensible and scalable processing, exploitation, & dissemination (PED) software system for the Canadian Dept. of Defense (CAN DND).

This position can be remote with potential infrequent travel to El Segundo, California.

Work Model

This is a retiree casual position limited to 500 hours per year, offering remote flexibility as business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work directly with the software architecture lead for an international partnerships study being performed for the Canadian Department of National Defence (CAN DND).
• Work with the study execution team to determine the best method to implement a software system to provide processing, exploitation, and dissemination of space-based earth observation data from multiple sources.
• Create documentation appropriate for CAN DND to use for options analysis.
• Engage regularly with international partners, including CAN DND.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, or related technical field.
• 12 or more years of experience in systems engineering in two or more technical areas, including software architecture and design, requirements definition, and system analysis.
• Experience in all aspects of space and ground systems engineering, including architecture, engineering design, and engineering analysis. Familiarity with architecture frameworks such as DoDAF.
• Experience in working with international partners.
• Ability to clearly explain complex concepts to customers and fellow employees verbally and in writing.
• This position requires an active security clearance, which is issued by the US 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:

• Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Substantial experience with the TCPED process, including image understanding algorithms.
• Substantial experience in developing and fielding LLMs (Large Language Models).
• Proven track record in developing and fielding significant software systems.
• Recognized leader in software development methodologies.
• An active TS//SCI clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

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 pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:<