Technical Acquisition and Contracts Specialist

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) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The Acquisition Planning and Decision Analytics (APDA) Department is seeking a Senior Acquisition and Systems Engineer to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of acquisition and systems engineering professionals. This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers in the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. APDA applies deep technical expertise and experience to deliver pre-acquisition and systems engineering planning expertise and products to form a sound basis for space, ground, and launch system program acquisition lifecycle activities.

This full‑time position will be located onsite in any of Aerospace's campus locations (El Segundo, CA; Colorado Springs, CO; Chantilly, VA).

• A trusted technical program advisor focused on solving some of the nation's most critical missions with cutting‑edge solutions that meet the future head‑on.
• Advise key stakeholders and government customers by conducting cradle‑to‑grave contract support, risk management, and contract support activities to communicate contract administration, compliance, and oversight activities, best practices and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with government program office customers, stakeholders, and colleagues to provide agile, responsive, and decisive advice on diverse and innovative contracting strategies.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in project/program portfolio planning and resolving complex contract issues, focusing on clear communication and relationship management.
• Develop recommendations for complex contractual matters, contracts strategy, vendor relationship management, risk assessments and mitigation plans.
• Support modernization of capabilities to better manage, integrate, and share data across the subdivision and ensure the implementation of technical and operational best practices and lessons learned.
• Host educational workshops, brown‑bag lunch sessions, and training programs to promote knowledge sharing.
• Develop and deliver accurate and timely reports and presentations that clearly communicate results and solutions to support critical decisions.

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 12 years of relevant experience in space‑related acquisition and systems engineering
• Previous experience leading highly technical project teams.
• Requires contracts management understanding to support the Contract Lifecycle from proposal preparation and strategy through submittal, negotiations, execution, and closeout.
• Experienced with Government (FAR / DFAR) contracting:
  Fixed Price (FP), Time & Material (T&M), Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Level of Effort (LOE), Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contracts.
• Experience with non‑FAR based instruments such as Other Transaction Agreements, Grants, and/or Cooperative…