Ground Systems Concept 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

• Providing concept exploration and engineering support of ground systems for customer programs
• Leading and participating in conceptual and preliminary design studies and trades of ground systems, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Evaluating ground system design and architecture concepts and participating in design reviews
• Working with government and program office personnel and technical experts across Aerospace
• Developing tools and models that support ground system concept design and analysis activities
• Mentoring junior members of the department

• A strong knowledge of ground systems, spacecraft systems, and systems engineering principles
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
• 8+ years of relevant experience in leading, developing and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Demonstrated experience in developing ground systems concepts
• Demonstrated experience in mission control or mission processing systems for space systems
• Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs
• Occasional domestic travel
• A current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in a relevant engineering discipline
• Demonstrated experience with dedicated on-premises compute hardware
• Demonstrated experience with Amazon, Microsoft, or Oracle cloud offerings
• Demonstrated experience with antenna, hardware etc. related to ground entry points
• Demonstrated experience with communications and networking
• Demonstrated experience with software, software process approaches (e.g., waterfall, agile)
• Demonstrated experience with data center design and operations
• Demonstrated experience with network maintenance, load balancing, data coordination
• Proficiency in simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, Solid Works
• Strong, demonstrated personal initiative
• Experience with the Intelligence Community

We offer a competitive compensation…