Lead Communications Engineer: SIGINT Modeling and Simulation

About the role

The Aerospace Corporation operates a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) broadly engaged across all aspects of space—delivering innovative solutions spanning satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise, leveraging a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. The Communication and Ground Architectures Performance Department (CGAPD) within the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) delivers modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) solutions that help shape how the nation's most critical space communication and ground systems are designed, acquired, and evolved. This role evaluates space-based intelligence architectures, applying expertise in signals intelligence, mission management, and resource allocation to support requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and mission performance modeling that directly informs national security.

Work Model

This full-time position requires at least 4 days/week of onsite work in Chantilly, VA.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis teams driving recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions for legacy and emerging customer communication and ground architectures
• Coordinate complex technical tasks among customers, managing resources to efficiently staff and execute projects
• Serve as a technical mentor to junior staff in one or more department focus areas
• Independently translate customer needs into project objectives and provide technical evaluations
• Perform end-to-end (E2E) performance evaluations and analysis-of-alternatives (AoA) using in-house or internally developed analysis tools
• Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results to technical leads, management, and customers

Requirements

• B.S. degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline from an accredited school
• 8 or more years of industry experience, with demonstrated experience leading engineering studies and analysis teams, managing/coordinating complex technical tasks, and translating customer needs into tasks for team members
• Professional experience with space-related modeling, communication/ground architectures, data network modeling, scheduling algorithms and operations, or mission management
• Knowledge in one or more of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: communication and ground infrastructures, signals intelligence, geo-spatial intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems, or space protection
• Experience with one or more software languages that may include MATLAB, Python, or C++
• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance (U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance)

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in one of the fields of study mentioned above
• Significant experience in one or more of the functional/mission areas listed above
• Technical knowledge of SIGINT satellite systems/payloads and relevant mission knowledge
• M&S experience in one of the following areas: RF link budgets, mission management, or satellite scheduling and resource allocation
• Knowledge of Intelligence Community or U.S. Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios
• Proficiency with one or more software languages that may include MATLAB, Python, or C++
• Current TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph

Pay

Grade-based pay range: $132,900.00 – $199,300.00 annually. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Benefits

• 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
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results