Mission Systems Engineer
In an era of dynamic change in space, Aerospace is addressing a generation of complex challenges. We operate the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering. Join our team and thrive in a career that matters to the world and you personally.
Responsibilities
xLab is responsible for building and operating advanced prototypes at Aerospace by developing concepts to address hard problems and then taking those concepts through the full development cycle to deliver cutting edge capabilities to our customers. We are looking for an experienced Mission Systems Engineer that knows how to translate high level problems into solutions through CONOPS development, system requirements analysis and generation, prototype concept development, and project development planning and execution. You will be responsible for working with project managers, experienced design engineers and subject matter experts from across the company to identify enabling technologies, key system trades, and executable technical approaches to meet the mission needs. You will be an active member of teams that take projects from concept through delivery and operations.
Key Functions
- Provide systems engineering leadership in the development of prototype concepts from concept development through integration and test
- Provide oversight, guidance, and technical advice on internal and external projects involving Earth remote sensing, space situational awareness, and/or overhead persistent infrared
As a key member of xLab’s project teams:
- Support project management team in formulating prototype development plan, system requirements, and critical system performance budgets
- Responsible for identifying key system trades, and program risks and supporting project manager to execute a continuous risk management plan
- Responsible for system engineering products throughout the project lifecycle to include system requirements document, CONOPS, requirements verification plan, master test plan, interface management, and configuration and data management
- Develop system models to support derivation of lower level requirements and participate in subsystem requirements allocation to ensure system capabilities meet customer objectives
- Develop verification and validation plans for system requirements and mission objectives and ensure their execution
As a key member of the xLab Strategic Objectives team:
- Provide technical leadership to new projects by interfacing with program office and customer personnel to capture essential mission requirements and developing innovative solutions
- Generate use cases and design reference missions (DRMs) to help develop prototype CONOPS and derive system functional requirements
- Define integration into customer missions and transition plan to operational capabilities
- Identify factors that impact strategy implementation and adjusts approach accordingly
This position is available as a Mission Systems Engineer or Senior Mission Systems Engineer
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics or a related technical discipline
- 8 years of technical work experience that includes advanced prototype development or technology insertion
- Demonstrated excellence leading technical teams and acting as spokesperson for the team to management and customers
- Experience in all phases of the systems engineering lifecycle: concept development, requirements engineering, system design and development, systems integration, test and evaluation
- Experience in technology maturation and transition plans
- Experience developing and fielding deliverable systems
- Experience writing detailed and verifiable requirements
- Experience in mission concept development to include CONOPS generation, system requirements development, and technology maturation plans
- Experience in maturing ideas to prototypes
- This position requires a current Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI access, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Preferred
- Advanced degree in engineering, physics or related technical discipline
- Strong technical foundation in space missions and associated ground systems
- Experience and knowledge of multiple SMC and NRO mission areas
- Experience developing advanced technology demonstration and operational systems
- Knowledge based on support to space security programs
- Current and active TS/SCI clearance
Required for Senior Mission Systems Engineer
- Same requirements as a Mission Systems Engineer noted above, in addition to:
- 12 years of technical work experience that includes advanced prototype development or technology insertion
- Experience with hardware and/or software projects as a project lead
Preferred for Senior Mission Systems Engineer
- Same prefered skills as a Mission Systems Engineernoted above, in addition to:
- Experience in both ETG and program office roles
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 poster and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.