Sr. Project Leader, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office

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.
Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space 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. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.
This position will fall within our Agile Acquisition Division and will provide support the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AF/RCO). The Senior Project Leader - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering will support the Air Provide technical expertise and engineering support to the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, supporting the development and fielding of critical capabilities.
Work Model
This position is 100% onsite and based in the National Capital Region at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
What You'll Be Doing

• Leading Aerospace teams in the execution of the systems engineering, integration, and test responsibilities, to include the coordination of subject matter experts and the integration of inputs to provide corporate and customer leadership with technical advice
• Responsible for engaging and working closely with customers and other Aerospace Offices to identify and apply resources to ensure successful program execution
• Provides oversight and management of staffing and financial resources required to support system acquisition actions and technical analysis efforts
• Supporting systems architecting, requirements & CONOPS development, and enterprise focused systems engineering (with an emphasis on system integration)
• Advising the Government on the trades associated with up-front alternative analyses and recommend capability and risk-based courses of action considering operational, technical, and acquisition factors
• Developing functional and performance requirements for selected system
• Performing planning, development, acquisition, program management and systems engineering tasks in support of Government goals and milestones
• Applying technological, acquisition and mission expertise to address issues as they arise to maintain schedule and system performance
• Providing developmental and operational test expertise to assure mission success and timely fielding of system capabilities

What You Need to be Successful - Sr. Project Leader, Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or other applicable degree
• 12+ years of relevant engineering/technical/operational/system fielding experience
• Experience with development and integration of DoD and/or IC space capabilities, missions, and/or programs in standard and rapid acquisition environments.
• Experience with program planning and execution
• Experience with development and integration of complex space systems
• Experience with developmental/operational test of DoD and/or IC space capabilities
• Proving experience applying systems engineering and MBSE in addressing complex problems
• Familiarity working with integrated Government, FFRDC, and SETA teams
• Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced & dynamic environment and to work complex problems without clear point solutions
• Demonstrated strong technical leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills
• Stellar verbal and written communication skills including the ability to engage and effectively communicate with senior leaders
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 20-30% of the time
• This position requires current TS/SCI and SAP/SAR eligibility, which is issued by the US government. US 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:

• Masters or PhD from an accredited program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or other applicable degree
• Experience/expertise with space systems (e.g. space/ground/mission systems)
• Experience/expertise with space operations (e.g. TT&C, mission commanding, and/or mission data exploitation)
• Experience working Rapid Acquisition programs with USAF, USSF, NRO, others
• Experience with resource planning, scheduling, prioritization, and budgeting process
• Experience leading complex integration activities
• Current SAP/SAR access

Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

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

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
• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various 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 employer. 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.