MEO Missile Warning, Tracking & Defense Infrared Payload Lead 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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
The Space Systems Group (SSG) serves as the technical and programmatic advisor to the United States Space Force's (USSF's) Space Systems Command (SSC) for acquiring, developing and fielding capabilities for the United States Space Command and joint warfighter as well as to maintain America's comprehensive military advantage in space.
As the MEO Missile Warning, Tracking & Defense Payload Lead, you will play a pivotal role in the transition to a new Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) MEO/LEO architecture. You'll guide USSF MEO payload development and delivery to satisfy stringent missile warning and tracking requirements with a focus on overseeing multiple optical IR sensor systems through design, build, integration and test activities to ensure success of the incremental fielding strategy. This job entails providing both technical and programmatic support to acquisition and development to align the current Missile Track Custody Demo systems toward a successful Epoch 1 Initial Warfighting Capability MEO constellation, as well as planning for follow-on Epoch increments.
Telecommuting is possible 1-2 days per week depending on the needs of the program and customer.
What You'll Be Doing

• Deliver technical expertise to the Government's SSC Resilient MW/MT/MD Acquisition Delta space segment program manager and staff
• Interact regularly with Government customer leaders, SETA contractors, multiple development contractors, and other collaborators across the Missile Warning/Tracking community to align optical IR payload system development and CONOPS with operational needs
• Conduct technical review and inputs for design artifacts, mission analysis, manufacturing processes, as well as integration and test plans of key sensor system and on-board data processing solutions
• Assist in planning/implementing on-orbit experiments and mission data processing evaluations to reduce risk
• Actively support the execution of the program Digital Engineering (DE) strategy and assist in systems engineering processes to integrate MBSE models with mission level modeling and simulation
• Shepherd Aerospace's experts toward providing our customer with objective, data driven assessments
• Work closely with other MEO and LEO space, ground, and system engineering activities to support the overall program execution and delivery timelines
• Quickly assess risk, schedule, and cost trades to enable timely delivery of the desired payload mission capabilities and objectives

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or an appropriate technical subject area
• Minimum of 12 years of related engineering/scientific experience with > 10 years of experience in acquisition planning, analysis, and development of national security space systems
• Track record of optimally and innovatively working in multidisciplinary teams to develop and field space systems or spaceflight prototypes
• Accomplishments developing optical payloads as well as expertise in space system integration, testing and fielding
• Familiarity with Digital Engineering concepts and Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) tools
• Ability to assess techniques and technologies for on-board mission data processing used to detect and track dim and fast-moving targets
• Collaboration skills to build effective links with Government customers and other partners to dynamically deliver outstanding products under tight timeframes
• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to acquire a security clearance
• Ability to travel up to 10 percent of the time

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced STEM degree
• Relevant acquisition experience for space systems
• Solid understanding of Missile Warning (MW), Missile Tracking (MT), Missile Defense (MD), Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) mission areas
• MBSE model development and/or Modeling Simulation of complex space systems
• Working knowledge of OPIR Missile Warning and Missile Tracking processing algorithms
• Understanding of the national security space enterprise and/or familiarity with the USSF Space Systems Command

Grade-Based Pay Range
(Min - Mid - Max)
$122,952 - $202,011 - $281,070
Ways We Reward Our Employees
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 diverse 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.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.