Space Architecture Performance Modeling & Simulation Specialist

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.

About the role

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The Surveillance and Navigation Architecture Performance Department (SNAPD) in the Integrated Performance Subdivision leverages modeling and simulation (M&S) expertise to evaluate end-to-end architecture performance. As a Space Architecture Performance Specialist, you will lead the development and maintenance of sophisticated simulation tools supporting requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and performance modeling for space-based remote sensing architectures.

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; or El Segundo, CA, requiring 100% onsite work.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams to perform assessments using in-house or internally developed analysis tools that drive recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions of legacy and emerging customer space-based sensing architectures.
• Partner across ETG to maintain quality M&S standards in department capabilities and stay aware of software requirements and resources.
• Serve as a technical mentor to junior staff in one or more department focus areas, coordinating training and delivering a strategy for maintaining bench depth in department capabilities.
• Independently translate customer needs into project objectives and instructions for ETG analysts and developers, assemble and lead multi-disciplinary technical teams, track team performance, and review team products for quality and accuracy.
• Work side-by-side with the Aerospace program office and interface with government leaders, contractors, other government agencies, and program offices to address issues and provide the best available technical analyses and recommendations.
• Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results to technical leads, management, and customers.
• Support development and sustainment of the organization’s analysis and simulation tools and capabilities.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline from an accredited school.
• 8 years of progressively technical modeling and simulation experience (12 years for Senior Engineering Specialist).
• Professional experience with one or more of the following: space-related modeling and simulation, geolocation, mission data processing, signal and image processing, space threats, resilient systems, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling.
• Proficiency with one or more software languages, including Python, C++, Fortran, or MATLAB.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Qualifications (Senior Engineering Specialist)

• Demonstrated technical leadership, personal accountability, and adaptability to changing customer expectations.
• Knowledge in one or more of these national security space or intelligence mission areas: signals intelligence, space surveillance, geo-spatial intelligence, or space protection.

Skills

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

• Graduate degree in one of the fields of study mentioned above.
• Current TS/SCI with polygraph.
• Technical knowledge of SIGINT satellite systems.
• Familiarity with the next generation SIGINT architecture or relevant mission knowledge.
• M&S experience in Performance Assessment, Geolocation, RF link budgets, Antenna modeling, or Signal detection.
• Performance modeling experience with at least one space subsystem (antennas, receivers, mission payloads).
• Knowledge of Intelligence Community or U.S. Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios.

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $129,000.00 - $249,600.00 annually.

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; immediately eligible and vested 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.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee can demonstrate leadership. We seek individuals who:

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