Mission Integration Engineer
The Aerospace Corporation operates a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) serving as the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs. The National Systems Group (NSG) serves as technical advisor to the Intelligence Community (IC). Within NSG, the Special Projects Directorate (SPD) works on highly classified, fast‑paced missions for the US Government, spanning space, aeronautics, high‑performance computing, AI/ML, signal processing, advanced sensing, microelectronics, systems engineering, acquisition planning, and program management. This Mission Integration Engineer role sits within SPD’s Applied Systems division, providing technical expertise to USG customer initiatives in a highly classified environment. The position is located in Northern Virginia and requires on‑site work.
Responsibilities
- Assess technology capabilities, implementation risk, and opportunities that enable successful end‑to‑end integration
- Provide objective, non‑advocacy technical advice on the application of solutions
- Leverage hands‑on technical expertise to ensure assessments and recommendations are grounded in practical implementation
- Build productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
- Collaborate with Aerospace technical experts and other FFRDC partners, ensuring clear and sufficient direction to relevant teams to meet stringent deadlines
- Work effectively in ambiguous situational environments with the Customer, other USG agencies, non‑traditional partners, contractors, and Aerospace program offices to meet mission objectives
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in a STEM field
- 12 years of experience in progressively responsible roles
- Demonstrated experience in systems engineering and integration
- Ability to fine‑tune customer needs into actionable implementation plans
- Ability to effectively communicate with personnel in various disciplines and experience levels
- Solid understanding of the SPD Customer and the Intelligence Community
- Current Top Secret/SCI security clearance with polygraph
- US citizenship (required to obtain a security clearance)
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or another technical discipline
- Ability to lead multi‑segmented, dispersed, and multidisciplinary teams to accomplish a common objective
- Experience working in an FFRDC or trusted advisory environment
- Experience working collaboratively with multiple US departments and agencies
Pay
Grade‑based annual pay range: $151,300 – $226,900. Individual salaries are determined by factors including 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 — company‑paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; immediate eligibility and vesting upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs
- Education assistance programs
- Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect