Payload 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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. The Imagery Program Division’s GEOINT Development Office (GDO) - Payload Division - utilizes Aerospace’s core competencies and cutting‑edge technologies to support payload hardware development, acquisition, and operation for the nation’s flagship national security space program.

This role applies strong systems engineering approaches to provide sound and objective technical recommendations and solutions to our customer and contractor community. In this unique leadership position, you will manage a bicoastal Aerospace team comprised of matrix engineering and laboratory resources in support of existing and next generation payload hardware. This position requires 100% on‑site work in Chantilly, VA, or El Segundo, CA.

• Identify payload‑related hardware issues / risks, document mitigations, and make recommendations to government customers within a dynamic program office environment. Payload‑related hardware includes optical telescope and vehicle protection subsystems and their respective auxiliary equipment.
• Serve as a principal technical representative to the customer, and facilitate communications with the broader customer payload community.
• Lead a diverse team of technical experts within Aerospace ETG to manage and mitigate all technical risks that arise throughout the entire acquisition life cycle.
• Ensure effective collaboration and communication across GDO, related Aerospace program offices and Aerospace ETG staff.
• Monitor and assist in development of budgets and other resource allocations to accomplish tasks within the payload group.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience with electro‑optics engineering and/or integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility, as well as working with, and/or leading, broad teams in technical, architecture, strategy, and engineering projects and tasks.
• Willingness to travel domestically (up to 1 week per month).
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience with electro‑optics engineering and integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility.
• Proven track record contributing to and/or leading major technical projects in technical, architecture, strategy, and engineering projects and tasks.

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in a relevant engineering or remote sensing field.
• Expertise in visible and/or infrared (IR) electro‑optical sensors and associated technology.
• Existing working relationships with relevant Aerospace matrix engineering organizations to quickly bring resources to address customer needs.
• Knowledge of the customer’s mission enterprise, existing remote sensing capabilities and mission partner’s needs.
• Experience evaluating remote sensing payload trade studies…