Space System Architect Engineer

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.

About the role

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Architecture Concepts Department (ArCon) provides expertise in architecture methods, processes, and tools to an extremely broad range of customers, including National Space Security (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, DHS, and others. ArCon staff participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full-scale acquisition systems in the space, ground, communications, and network domains. ArCon applies disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition and operations decisions.

Work Model: This position will follow an in-person work model at Aerospace’s campus in Chantilly, VA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in architecture studies of complex system concepts, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, supporting problem framing, gap analysis, and trade space assessment
• Work with Aerospace program office, customer, and contractor personnel as a technical subject matter expert to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; mentor junior staff; support the scoping, planning, and execution of the study; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports
• Define system capabilities, system of systems interfaces, and requirements for space and intersegment system architectures to address user needs and perspectives

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field
• At least 8 years of engineering experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains
• Proficiency in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with teams, customers, Aerospace program offices, and contractors; to collaborate with other functional organizations within Aerospace; and to mentor and develop junior staff
• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and schedule commitments
• Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approximately 5-10%
• A current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Qualifications

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

• Master’s and/or Ph.D. in engineering, math, science, or related technical discipline
• Demonstrated initiative to innovate, shape, drive, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tasks, projects, or organizations
• Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products
• More relevant work and/or graduate school experience, greater than 5 years, in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, or model-based systems engineering
• More relevant work and/or graduate school experience, greater than 5 years, in space or intersegment systems
• Hands-on experience with system or enterprise modeling in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM)
• Experience working closely with key Aerospace customer agencies in the defense and intelligence community, including strong knowledge of their domain and strong professional networks

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $117,300.00 - $175,900.00 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

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

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