GEOINT 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 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 GEOINT Development Office (GDO) serves as the technical adviser for national intelligence electro-optical programs. The Systems Engineering department within GDO leverages Aerospace core competencies to support program objectives throughout the system lifecycle. By applying robust systems engineering practices and in-depth knowledge of both hardware and mission requirements, the department delivers technical recommendations and solutions across multiple programs.

As a GEOINT Space Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering), you will work closely with the customer and colleagues to effectively lead matrixed engineering in support of current and next generation systems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at one of Aerospace’s facilities in Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA.

• Provide technical leadership and coordination throughout all phases of complex space programs, from acquisition and design to launch, initialization and operations
• Assess design, build, and test activities for payload and bus hardware, ensuring technical rigor and compliance with mission objectives
• Develop and assess mission CONOPS, requirements, and test programs with a focus on mission integration and product quality
• Coordinate cross-organizational teams of Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to provide customers with technical reach-back for issue resolution and independent assessments of technical performance
• Support enterprise testing to verify end-to-end system performance and operational readiness
• Work in a fast-paced environment with many interesting technical challenges that require strategy, critical thinking, and collaboration

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering include:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related field
• 8+ years of progressively more responsible spacecraft systems engineering experience
• Track record in coordinating or participating in multi-disciplinary technical team efforts
• Demonstrated ability to develop and communicate technical recommendations
• Experience supporting hardware acquisition and lifecycle activities, including design, build, integration, and test
• Willingness to travel domestically as frequently as once a month (more typically every other month)
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

• 12+ years of progressively more responsible spacecraft systems engineering experience
• Proven experience successfully interacting with or working in a program office environment, such as a mixed working environment of customers, SETA, and FFRDC
• Experience leading or coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering teams in support of complex space system programs
• Experience with electro-optical systems

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related field
• Experience with electro-optical systems, including visible and IR
• Understanding…