Payload Project Engineer/Sr. Payload Project 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.
We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for hiring as we look forward to the future of work. Click here for information on Aerospace's COVID-19 directives and safety procedures implemented to keep our workplace safe.
The National Systems Group serves as the technical adviser 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.
The GEOINT Development Office (GDO) under the National Systems Group (NSG) serves as the technical adviser to the government's national intelligence electro-optical programs. The Payload Division within GDO utilizes Aerospace's core competencies and cutting-edge technologies to support payload hardware development, acquisition, and operation. Its strategic focus is applying strong systems engineering approaches to provide sound and objective technical recommendations and solutions. As a Payload Project Engineer you will work closely with the customer and colleagues to effectively lead matrix engineering and Aerospace laboratory resources in support of existing and new generation payload hardware.
What You'll Be Doing

• Providing direct technical support to government customers within a dynamic program office environment
• Identifying issues and risks, document mitigations and make recommendations to government customers
• Leading a diverse team of technical experts within the Aerospace Engineering Matrix organization and Aerospace laboratories to manage and mitigate all technical risks that arise throughout the life and phases of the acquisition
• Serve as a principal technical representative to the customer, and facilitate communications for the broader payload group
• Monitor and assist in development of budgets and other resource allocations to accomplish tasks within the payload group
• Provide additional administrative coordination and management liaison responsibilities as required
• Position requires domestic travel to contractor, subcontractor sites, and workshops
• This position provides opportunities for mid and advanced proficiency levels of Strategic, Innovation, Velocity, People, Accountability competencies

This position requires 100% on site work in either Chantilly, VA or El Segudo, CA.
This position is available as a Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics or related technical discipline
• A minimum of 8 years of progressively more responsible engineering experience
• Experience with electro-optics engineering and integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility, as well as leading teams in technical, architecture, strategy, and engineering projects and tasks
• Position requires domestic travel to contractor, subcontractor sites, and workshops
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the Senior Project Engineer requires the following

• A minimum of 12 years of progressively more responsible engineering experience.
• Extensive experience with electro-optics engineering and integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility, as well as leading teams in technical, architecture, strategy, and engineering projects and tasks

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in engineering, science, mathematics or related technical discipline
• Broad technology experience base across payload sub-systems
• Expertise in visible and infrared (IR) electro-optics sensors
• Direct experience with, and understanding of, Aerospace customers and business
• Familiarity with program management, budget programming, requirements, and acquisition processes
• Prior experience working in an engineering matrix that supports program office and customer senior leadership
• Communication with a broad range of customers, technologists, program managers, system engineers, and senior government leaders

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.