Space System Architecture Capability Lead

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 Architecture Concepts Department (ArCon) provides expertise in architecture methods, processes, and tools to a broad range of customers, including National Space Security (NSS), defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, DHS, and others. ArCon staff lead architecture trade studies, conceptualization, modeling, and program assessments at multiple levels of complexity.

This position follows an in-person work model at one of Aerospace’s campuses in Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA.

Responsibilities

• Direct complex technical activities, organize multi-disciplinary project teams, and execute space architecture conceptualization, assessment, and modeling to provide decision support as a technical subject matter expert and project leader.
• Steer and implement strategy in space system architectures for the department; identify and pursue opportunities for expanded business and assist in evaluating new opportunities.
• Lead efforts to identify and incorporate emerging technologies, commercial capabilities, interoperable solutions, and industry best practices into space system architectures.
• Establish new partnerships across the Engineering and Technology Group and program offices, serving as the focal point for high-impact space architecture design, evaluation, trade studies, and programmatic assessments.
• Expand ArCon’s relationships with program offices and customer bases (e.g., SSIO, SWAC, SSDP, IC) and leverage expertise to solve complex customer problems.
• Facilitate outreach and education on Aerospace’s space system architecture capabilities to ETG, program offices, customers, and industry.
• Initiate new program office relationships to define tasking using system architecting principles, enabling problem framing, implementation planning, and resource identification.
• Mentor early-career and experienced staff as a technical advisor to develop department capabilities and meet demand for expertise.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field.
• At least 10 years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management, with a strong command of systems engineering principles.
• Leadership experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to identify problem space, assess trade options, and independently formulate courses of action.
• Experience initiating and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to plan and execute projects or studies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presenting methods and results in leadership briefings, reports, and informal communications.
• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and schedule commitments.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with employees, customers, acquisition program offices, and contractors.
• U.S. citizenship and a current, active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government.
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally approximately 5-10%.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated initiative to innovate, shape, drive, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tasks, projects, or organizations.
• Experience in training, mentoring, and inspiring staff.
• Experience working in partnership with multiple Aerospace program offices and customers.
• Strong interpersonal networks with Aerospace and customer organizations to establish collaborations and obtain sponsorship for projects.
• Experience with early life cycle systems engineering, system architecting, and U.S. government system acquisition methods and processes.
• Experience with Intelligence Community systems engineering and programmatic processes, tools, and personnel.
• Experience with space architectures at the system level, including satellites, constellations, ground systems, networks, user terminals, and external interfaces.
• Experience with space system architecture conceptual design, analysis, and concurrent engineering techniques.
• Experience with architecture modeling and/or descriptive system modeling for MBSE.
• Experience with architecture frameworks such as the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) or the Unified Architecture Framework (UAF).

Pay

Grade-based pay range: $151,300.00 - $226,900.00 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 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.
• Education assistance programs.

Leadership Competencies

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