Senior Project Lead - Space Vehicle Acquisition and Design

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 deliver innovative solutions spanning satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners, supporting electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

About the role

Directorate E provides on-site support within a government program office overseeing a complex new national security satellite system, offering acquisition, mission assurance, analytic, and systems engineering support. The Future Capabilities team supports the Chief Architect and Chief Engineer of a major customer in the National Security Space portfolio. As a Senior Project Leader, you will provide technical guidance on new prototype and operational spacecraft concepts, system modeling, cost estimation, acquisition planning, and Phase A execution of satellite design activities. You may also contribute to payload studies and enhancements, advising on critical technologies, ground and communications enterprise, and the use of autonomy and machine learning.

This is a full-time, 100% onsite position based in Chantilly, VA.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform and lead Aerospace teams assessing satellite system acquisition planning activities, including budgets, schedules, concept-of-operations, requirements development, and milestone entry/exit criteria.
• Lead and advise matrixed cross-functional teams on spacecraft design trades across multiple satellite concepts.
• Perform and lead technical evaluation of contractor proposals, program plans, and contract deliverables in collaboration with acquisition teams.
• Identify and execute studies on behalf of the customer regarding spacecraft acquisition plans, including BAAs, study efforts, and development contracts.
• Assess program office acquisition and systems engineering processes, identify gaps, and lead teams to optimize these activities.
• Represent and advise the program office as senior technical authority in systems engineering and acquisition forums.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to program office acquisition planning teams.
• Identify, task, and manage appropriate ETG subject matter experts.
• Lead assessment of performance, cost, and schedule constraints; collaborate with program teams to develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Serve as a senior mentor to other team members in spacecraft design, government acquisitions, and systems engineering.
• Collaborate daily with mid- and senior-level government officials, SETA, and contractor personnel to drive program success in a fast-paced environment.
• Occasional travel, up to 10% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• 12 or more years of relevant experience after bachelor’s degree, with at least 8 years in spacecraft acquisition and systems engineering.
• Experience in research and development of new technologies for space systems, such as microelectronics, optical sensors, or RF systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team consisting of customer, contractor, Aerospace, and SETA personnel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft design, development, and execution.
• Experience conducting engineering design trades across space systems at the spacecraft, system, and architecture levels.
• Experience developing and managing requirements and interfaces for an acquisition program.
• Extensive experience in technical project management, scoping projects, and leveraging interdisciplinary teams.
• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, issued by the U.S. government (U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance).

Qualifications

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

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Degree or advanced training in Acquisition and/or Program management.
• Direct experience with government or commercial space systems.
• Working knowledge of NRO acquisition policies and processes.
• Familiarity with Government and Aerospace Mission Assurance standards and processes.
• Previous experience with one or more NRO program offices.

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $155,900.00 - $233,900.00 annually. Individual salaries are determined by 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 with immediate eligibility and vesting; total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs to advance your career.
• Education assistance programs.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy encourages every employee to demonstrate leadership through:

• Operating Strategically.
• Leading Change.
• Engaging with Impact.
• Fostering Innovation.
• Delivering Results.