Space- Interceptor Launch Integration and Operations Engineering Lead

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise.

DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Golden Dome missile defense system aims to counter the threat of ballistic, hypersonic, and other advanced threats from peer and near-peer adversaries as directed within the presidential executive order. Within the Golden Dome architecture, the Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) Program Office seeks to develop and deploy a proliferated constellation of space-based interceptors capable of boost-phase engagement of adversary missiles. The SBI interceptors will employ a Fire Control capability that is integrated with the overall Golden Dome missile defense system.

We are looking for a Space-Based Interceptor Test Integration and Operations Engineering Lead to directly support the SBI Program Office to advise to the development of this novel missile defense capability. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Huntsville, AL.

• Lead end-to-end systems integration and test activities across space, ground, and user segments for satellite communication systems.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, verification procedures, and validation approaches for mission-critical interfaces including space-to-ground, ground-to-user, and space-to-user architectures.
• Manage requirements verification and traceability from mission concept through operational transition.
• Flow down system requirements, maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and ensure verification coverage using engineering models, simulations, testbeds, and special test equipment throughout the development lifecycle.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary integration efforts by developing System Integration Plans (SIPs), System Test and Integration Plans (STIPs), and supporting Systems Engineering Plans (SEPs).
• Collaborate with spacecraft systems, flight software, ground software, and operations teams to ensure seamless end-to-end integration and mission success.
• Execute developmental and operational test campaigns including developmental testing (DT), operational testing (OT), and integrated test events.
• Analyze test results, identify anomalies, document findings, and provide technical recommendations to program leadership and…