Optical Payload 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 National Systems Group serves as the technical adviser to the National Reconnaissance Office and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
The GEOINT Futures Office (GFO) Space Vehicle (SV) Department supports the design and acquisition of a complex national intelligence electro-optical spacecraft. In this position you will serve as an Optical Payload Engineer.
This position requires 100% onsite work in Chantilly, VA
What You'll Be Doing

• Providing electro-optical payload performance insight regarding the design and build of the main mission payload comprising an optical chain and electro optical sensor
• Assessing impact of design trades and fixes to manufacturing anomalies
• Coordinating Aerospace subject matter expert assessments of space vehicle electro-optical payload performance
• Coordinating Aerospace research activities for subsystems tied to optical payloads
• Supporting failure reviews, environmental testing, support requirements sell-off, and perform anomaly resolution support for space vehicle payloads and associated subsystems
• Generating periodic written reports and presentations to customer and Aerospace management
• Supporting close and frequent interaction with government customer, SETA, and contractor personnel

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience
• Effective systems engineering and analysis skills to identify problems, develop solutions and assess risk
• Willingness to coordinate the activities of technical staff
• Willingness to travel to Aerospace and contractor facilities throughout CONUS at least one week per month.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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

• Advanced degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field
• Prior experience providing direct engineering support to the development of optical payloads for space
• Prior experience supporting the design phase of a program leading up to CDR, as well as support to the manufacturing and test of spacecraft or similarly complex hardware
• Initiative and leadership and require minimal management oversight
• Able to work closely and cooperatively with contractor personnel
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A current TS/SCI clearance and polygraph

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 The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.