Payload Space Systems Hardware Project Leader​/Payload Space Systems Hardware Senior Project Leader

Job Summary

GDO Payload is seeking a Payload Space Systems Hardware Project Leader (Project Leader/Senior Project Leader
- Electro Optical Engineering) to apply systems engineering approaches to provide sound and objective technical recommendations and solutions to our customer and contractor community.

• Identify payload-related hardware issues/risks, document mitigations, and make recommendations to government customers within a dynamic program office environment.
• Support and/or lead applicable hardware anomaly investigations.
• Serve as a principal technical representative on all payload related electronics hardware 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, including worst‑case circuit analysis efforts during the hardware design phase.
• Ensure effective collaboration and communication related to space vehicle electronics hardware design, test, and operation across GDO and IPD, spanning 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 8 years of experience with electro‑optical engineering and/or electrical engineering hardware integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility, and leading teams in technical, architecture, strategy, and engineering projects and tasks.
• Willingness to travel domestically (up to 1 week per month).
• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, issued by the U.S. government.
• U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience plus proven track record leading major technical projects / teams or complex multi‑disciplinary initiatives from initiation through completion.

• Advanced degree (MS, Ph.D.) in a relevant engineering or remote sensing field.
• Expertise in visible and/or infrared (IR) electro‑optical sensors and associated technology, and mentoring experience.
• 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 and/or electronics hardware trade studies and design assessments, and knowledge of typical remote sensing payload performance budgets.
• Experience communicating with a broad range of customers, technologists, program managers, system engineers, and senior government leaders.

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) Plan – Employees receive a total company‑paid benefit of 8%, 10% or 12% of eligible compensation and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs, education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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Position requires 100% on‑site work in Chantilly, VA, or El Segundo, CA.

The grade‑based pay range for this job is $ – $. Salaries are determined based on education, experience, knowledge and skills.