Mission Analysis and Modeling 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. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

Directorate-H, Electronic Programs Division, is seeking a Mission Analysis and Modeling Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer – Systems Engineering – Modeling and Simulation Engineering) to work in a fast-pace, Government program office responsible for designing and building a new SIGINT program from the ground up.  You will be providing FFRDC technical support directly to the Government customer and working closely with industry contractors and across Aerospace.  Additionally, you will be providing technical expertise, critical recommendations, technical analysis, and leading Aerospace efforts related to space system acquisition from conceptual design to on-orbit checkout and operations.

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

• →Providing subject matter expertise in acquisitions, systems engineering, and mission analysis, while developing technical solutions that improve Mission Assurance practices within the National SIGINT enterprise through proven scientific, engineering, quality, and program management principles
• →Assessing program office acquisition processes, identifying gaps, and leading teams to optimize these activities
• →Conducting architectural trade studies and analyses through modeling and simulation to support technical and programmatic decision-making, while using, contributing to, and developing in-house, commercial, and government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools
• →Working side by side with the Customer, Aerospace, and SETAs in a dynamic space system acquisition environment collocated in a USG facility, serving as an individual contributor on a multi-disciplined team with a shared vision
• →Identifying opportunities for (Project Engineer) and/or leading (Sr. Project Engineer) Aerospace matrix engineering organization and laboratory resources (ETG) to support concept development, requirement and mission analyses, and technology demonstrations
• →Contributing to (Project Engineer) and/or leading (Sr. Project Engineer) trade studies that inform satellite acquisition and design decisions
• →Collaborating and communicating frequently with SETA, industry contractors, and mid-level to senior Government officials in working groups, technical exchange meetings, program reviews, and informal interactions
• →Presenting technical findings and recommendations to (Project Engineer) and/or independently generating findings for (Sr. Project Engineer) Government Customers and Aerospace management, while providing matrixed technical support to other next-generation SIGINT acquisition activities as needed

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Systems Engineering – Modeling and Simulation Engineering

• Bachelor's OR Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field, with 6 or more years of progressively more responsible experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft design, development, and execution, including experience conducting engineering design trades across space systems at the spacecraft, system, and architecture levels
• Experience performing analysis, modeling, and simulation of signal collection, satellite orbits, and/or vehicle designs
• Experience in satellite acquisitions and/or operations
• Experience formulating plans, leading studies, and delivering results for a highly technical customer, paired with strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• Comfortable working with ambiguous and often changing tasks, with experience working across organizations and matrixed teams
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time
• The position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineering – Modeling and Simulation Engineering

• 12 or more years of progressively more responsible experience
• Experience proposing and leading analytic studies with minimal guidance
• Experience overseeing technical staff and managing multiple efforts at once

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

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related discipline
• Knowledge of one or more software languages that may include C++, Python, or MATLAB
• Familiarity with government acquisition lifecycle and systems engineering activities
• Experience with the Intelligence Community (IC)
• Experience working across the NRO Enterprise
• Strong ability to build relationships and enhance partnerships

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

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  

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.