Senior Project Engineer - Space Power Technologies
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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including, the United States Space Force, the Department of the Air Force, the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.
As a Senior Project Engineer in the Advanced Technologies and Concepts Branch within the Space Innovation Directorate (SID), you will support a development and maturation of space power technologies for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate (RV). AFRL/RV is prototyping high power spacecraft with photovoltaics and nuclear power sources. This Senior Project Engineer will actively participate in the early phases of the spacecraft and payload lifecycle.
This position is an onsite position located at the Kirkland AFB.
What You'll Be Doing
- Coordinate with government, SETA and contractor teams to develop and mature space power and propulsion technologies to enable national security mission concepts
- Lead a range of mid-level and senior-level technical specialists on multi-disciplinary aerospace projects to inform key stakeholders and government customers
- Identify critical technology elements and technology readiness of contractor proposed solutions to establish baseline for next generation spacecraft power systems
- Leverage and use Aerospace Corporations technical support team by working with SMEs to use tools for analysis and trade studies, risk reduction strategies, architecture/systems modeling, CONOPs, enterprise assessments, and conceptual designs
- Apply systems engineering standard processes and project management expertise to assist the government in design/program reviews, development, test, mission assurance, technical domain expertise, and transition efforts
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- BS degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences or an equivalent combination of training and experience
- 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management
- Proven track record of successfully working in a team environment
- Proven ability to work in a highly dynamic program office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, SETA, and subcontractor personnel
- Demonstrated interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
- Availability to travel domestically
- This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US 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 a technical subject area (engineering, science, or math)
- Program office and systems engineering experience in prototyping space systems
- Proven ability to create solutions to address national security needs
- Experience translating current industry capabilities to future architectures
- Currently hold or qualified for TS/SCI clearance
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.