Model Space Systems 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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED), part of SED, is charged with helping our customers successfully adopt, integrate, and utilize digital system models, methods, tools, and best practices as part of their systems realization lifecycle processes through DE and MBSE research & development, prototyping, studies, independent assessments, training, and advisory functions.

We are seeking a highly experienced Model Based Space Systems Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Digital Systems Engineering) to drive the planning, execution, and management of complex MBSE and DE projects and project portfolios. The role requires a deep understanding of MBSE and DE concepts, methodologies, frameworks, tools, and best practices to enhance the acquisition and realization of space and defense systems encompassing systems architecture, design, analysis, and lifecycle management.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, project portfolio management, and cross-functional collaboration with Aerospace program offices and ETG organizations within a dynamic and innovative environment.

• Plan, execute, and lead MBSE and DE R&D initiatives and projects, ensuring integration of systems engineering best practices.
• Provide oversight of project teams developing descriptive models using open‑standard modeling languages (SysML, UAFML, BPMN) and industry-recognized tools (e.g., Cameo, Sparx EA, Rhapsody).
• Guide project teams through the full system development lifecycle, from concept to deployment.
• Drive innovation and best practices in MBSE, ensuring alignment with industry trends and organizational, and customer goals.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, including software, hardware, and domain experts, to develop and analyze system models in the systems acquisition and realization lifecycle.
• Author, publish, and present papers, presentations, and training material on MBSE topics of mutual interest to Aerospace and customers.
• Participate in MBSE and DE related standards organizations and profession society working groups (e.g., OMG, INCOSE, Digital Twin Consortium, AIAA, IEEE) representing Aerospace interests.
• Mentor and train junior and mid-level engineers on MBSE principles, practices, and tools.

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

Minimum Requirements for the Model Based Space Systems Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Digital Engineering)

• B.S. degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.), Computer Science, or related technical field.
• 12+ years of…