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 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.

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 aspires to be the premier force advising the evolution of national security and civil space enterprises, leveraging modeling and simulation (M&S) expertise to evaluate end-to-end architecture performance.

About the role

We are seeking a Space Architecture Performance Specialist that will lead the development and maintenance of sophisticated simulation tools in support of 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, which requires 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 continue quality M&S standards in department capabilities and maintain awareness 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, other program offices, and the Aerospace Engineering and Technical Group (ETG) to address issues and provide the customer with 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 related discipline from an accredited school.
• 8 years of progressively technical modeling and simulation experience.
• Professional experience with one or more of the following subjects: 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 that may include Python, C++, Fortran, or MATLAB.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

Senior Engineering Specialist (in addition to the above):

• 12 years of progressively more detailed modeling and simulation experience.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, personal accountability, and adaptability to changing customer expectations.
• Knowledge in one or more of these specific 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 one of these areas: Performance Assessment, Geolocation, RF link budgets, Antenna modeling, Signal detection.
• Performance modeling experience with at least one space subsystem (antennas, receivers, mission payloads).
• Knowledge of Intelligence Community or US Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. To cultivate our talent and ensure a strong pipeline of future leaders, we seek individuals who:

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

Pay

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