Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) System Test Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center engaged in satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy, and strategy across the national security space enterprise. Aerospace serves as the trusted technical and programmatic advisor to the Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) Program Office for system development, integration, and transition to operations within an aggressive timeline.

This is your opportunity to lead at the forefront of the acquisition for the ESS Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) system. The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA.

• Provide technical leadership to the ESS program office in developing and executing an integrated system test campaign across a multi‑contractor system baseline
• Work shoulder‑to‑shoulder with government, SETA, SE&I, and other FFRDC leads to ensure system test is well‑integrated with the broader program systems engineering approach
• Support government collaboration with key external test organizations to include those responsible for conducting OT&E
• Lead the test team in proactively identifying test related risk and opportunity trades, executing technical assessments of contractor test artifacts and present findings to government decision makers
• Conduct risk and opportunity trades, and assess contractor test artifacts for adequacy and integration into the broader system test flow

• Bachelor’s degree in science, mathematics, or engineering discipline
• 12 or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in integration and test
• Experience with specific phases of system assessments to include system requirements breakdown, test design/design of experiments, test planning, test execution, and test reporting
• Experience with DoD, USAF, and/or USSF Test and Evaluation policy, guidance, and best practices
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multi‑disciplinary teams
• Proven ability to establish and maintain trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for interactions at all levels of government and corporate leadership
• This position requires an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10% of the time

It would be impressive if you have one or more of the following:

• An advanced degree in a relevant technical area
• Experience working large, complex issues and the ability to break down problems into meaningful steps to accomplish with a team
• Program office and management experience; experience directing matrixed technical support teams
• Proficiency in DoD/IC space systems
• Experience with SATCOM/MILSATCOM technologies and operations
• Experience with developing, testing, and/or operating space systems
• Experience working in a program office with a government customer is desirable
• In-depth knowledge of DoD acquisitions, satellite communication, cyber operations, and ground systems

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade‑based pay range for this job is $ - $ (Min - Max) Pay Basis:
Annual.

• 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 based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Educat…