Program Management & 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 Civil Systems NASA Programs Division (NPD) Space Missions Directorate (SMD) oversees the success of multi‑agency operational satellite programs for which NASA leads mission system development and integration. The directorate supports a broad portfolio of missions, including Landsat, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Observations, Space Weather Observations (SWO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) Observations, that rely on seamlessly integrated systems. These systems combine spacecraft buses, instrument suites, ground stations, and command, control, and data processing networks, all managed by a global team of engineers and operations staff.

Success in these complex programs depends on a disciplined, systems‑engineering approach that carefully coordinates development, procurement, systems integration, operational readiness, and the transition to full operation.

SMD is looking for another Senior Project Engineer (Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) to solve our customers’ hard problems that cross organizational and/or technical boundaries. The selected candidate(s) will support one or multiple mission areas that best align with their skills, experience, and ability to make immediate and significant contributions. Potential areas of assignment include geostationary and/or low Earth orbit weather satellites, land imaging satellites, cislunar communication and navigation, space science missions, and science data archival.

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site in Greenbelt, MD located at Goddard Space Flight Center.

• Collaborate with mission stakeholders to ascertain their highest risks and hardest problems; team with Aerospace, Contractor, and Government contributors to mitigate these risks and solve these problems.
• Provide technical leadership to flight and/or ground system concept, architecture, design, development, integration, test, operations, and/or sustainment.
• Work with Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group to develop proofs of concept and prototypes to demonstrate innovative solutions.
• Support pertinent data collection, analysis, evaluation, anomaly identification, resolution, and risk assessment.
• Assist customers with system performance tracking at the enterprise level.
• Assist the Government to plan, manage, and execute programs and projects.
• Accomplish regular reporting to SMD customers and Aerospace senior management, with focus on results and their impact on the problem(s).

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or equivalent.
• 12 or more years of progressively responsible professional experience with credible success in one or more of the following areas:
  • Spacecraft, Instrument, and/or Ground Systems Engineering
  • Mission Readiness and/or Flight Operations for Spaceborne Missions
  • Science and/or operational data processing, distribution, and archival
  • Civil or military application of Spaceborne Data (e.g., weather forecasts, crop production)
  • Program and/or Project Management
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically approximately 10%.
• Willing to work on‑site at NASA GSFC or the Aerospace office in Greenbelt, MD.
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Advanced degree(s) in engineering, physical science, or equivalent technical discipline.
• Proven track record of solving complex, ill‑defined…