Senior Systems Engineering Lead for Strategic SATCOM

2 weeks ago


El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

The Aerospace Corporation stands as a reliable ally to the nation's space initiatives, tackling complex challenges and delivering unparalleled technical proficiency. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we engage comprehensively across the spectrum of space—offering innovative solutions that encompass satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial clients.

Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace enables all employees to share in our collective mission, which transcends individual aspirations.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analytical decision support to senior leaders regarding space architectures, policy, strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat mitigation, thereby influencing future space missions across the national security space sector. DSG is distinctive within Aerospace as it not only directly assists major clients, including Air Force Space Command and U.S. Strategic Command, but also delivers a wide array of services and support throughout the national space landscape.

The ESS Program Office is in search of a driven Senior Project Leader (Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering) to collaborate within an integrated program office comprising Space Force, Aerospace, and contractor personnel in support of Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) system acquisition. In this capacity, you will leverage engineering expertise to support systems engineering, integration, and testing strategies throughout the prototyping, development, and deployment phases of the program, ensuring the synchronization and integration of government, ESS segment contractors, and other strategic partners.

Work Model - This role necessitates primarily in-office work in classified environments, with opportunities for occasional remote work.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the spokesperson for the working group, advising the customer and ESS program leadership on system requirements and engineering practices.
  • Provide insights to Aerospace leadership and the customer regarding risks, issues, opportunities, and associated mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure the successful execution of systems integration efforts across space, ground, and crypto segments of the ESS program.
  • Apply systems engineering, requirements, and testing methodologies to assist the customer in developing acquisition documents necessary for space, ground, and crypto acquisition efforts.
  • Shape the requirements definition for the ESS System, including the development, coordination, and approval of system capability documents and interface control documents.
  • Evaluate mission trades between segments and products for system-level design reviews to identify optimal system architecture designs.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with customer leadership, contractors, and other program office support organizations, including creating technical materials and presenting to key stakeholders.
  • Lead the Aerospace team in executing systems engineering, integration, and testing responsibilities, coordinating subject matter experts and integrating inputs to provide technical advice to corporate and customer leadership.
  • Act as a senior mentor to team members, offering technical guidance in both technical duties and program office responsibilities.
  • Oversee and manage program staffing budgets, including identifying and recruiting subject matter experts for systems acquisition activities.

Qualifications for Success - Senior Project Leader

  • 12 or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience in government programs.
  • Experience in systems engineering, requirements development, and program acquisition for government initiatives.
  • Proven track record of leading and communicating with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to balance technical details with broader programmatic perspectives.
  • Capacity to operate effectively in a high-intensity, fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities.
  • Experience in leading and communicating with diverse groups.
  • Skills in conducting risk and schedule assessments.
  • Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a related STEM field from a recognized institution.
  • Willingness to travel to contractor and vendor facilities as required.
  • This position requires an active Secret clearance issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is necessary to obtain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

It would be advantageous if you possess one or more of the following:

  • Advanced technical degree in engineering, science, physics, or a related field.
  • Specific experience in satellite communication systems, payload, ground mission planning, and/or command and control systems.
  • Understanding of government space system acquisition processes and procedures.
  • Project management experience, including demonstrated ability to perform system-level optimization trades.
  • MILSATCOM program office experience.
  • Familiarity with Aerospace culture and experience coordinating with Engineering & Technology Group (ETG).
  • Active TS/SCI clearance or the ability to obtain one.

We offer a competitive compensation package that rewards performance and recognizes the value brought to our organization. The grade-based pay range for this position is as follows: $155,900 - $233,000 annually.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy emphasizes that every employee, regardless of level or role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is to our people. We seek individuals who:

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

Employee Rewards

During the interview process, our team will share details about our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary based on job type and include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan with company-paid benefits based on years of service
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional growth and development programs
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We celebrate the uniqueness of our workforce, believing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives foster superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on any characteristic protected by law.



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