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 (NSG) 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 Aerospace Corporation is looking for a Senior Project Leader (SPL) to lead the mission analysis and flight software Independent Validation and Verification (IV&V) process, supporting the NRO Office of Space Launch (OSL) customer organization. In this opportunity, the IV&V SPL will coordinate mission analysis and flight software efforts across the following categories for OSL missions: efforts funded by OSL and driven by the Mission Assurance Support Contract (MASC) SETA contractor, efforts funded by OSL and driven by Aerospace Engineering Matrix Organization via Launch and Architecture Operations LOD/LSD sponsorship
This is a full-time position which will follow a hybrid work model, offering partially remote work as business needs allow with onsite work required in our El Segundo, CA location.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support to near-term (launching within three years) OSL mission teams regarding mission specific IV&V planning and execution. There are currently eight OSL missions in this category.
- Support to far-term (launching within three-ten years) OSL mission teams regarding groundbreaking mission integration analysis on Vulcan, Falcon, and New Glenn launch vehicles. There are currently seven OSL missions performing dual or triple pioneering integration.
- Coordination of OSL IV&V efforts implemented at MASC and in Aerospace engineering technical staff.
- Evaluate technical issues and communicate of recommendations for corrective actions.
- Prepare periodic technical and programmatic status reports for submission to the government and Aerospace management and support NSG mission readiness reviews and OSL reviews.
- Interact with various Aerospace and Government launch base organizations including NRO and Space Force Program Offices, their contractors, and Aerospace matrix engineering resources.
Minimum Requirements
What You Need to be Successful- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related field.
- A minimum of 12 years of progressively more responsible experience.
- Experience in one or more of the following:
- systems engineering
- launch vehicle/space vehicle mission analyses
- launch vehicle flight software
- project management
- technical leadership skills
- Ability to provide comprehensive technical analyses and recommendations
- Willing to travel domestically approximately 25% and to work off-business hours to support launches.
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, 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:
- An advanced degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related field.
- Experience with one or more fields within systems analysis and flight software.
- Experience with project/engineering management and risk analysis is highly desired.
- Ability to build consensus and establish cohesive working teams among diverse engineering fields and across multiple organizations within as well as outside of Aerospace program office.
- Experience working with and supporting NRO OSL and its NRO customers.
- Experience with the launch vehicle/space vehicle mission integration processes.
- Experience with the coupled loads analysis processes.
- Ability to work with all levels of customers and contractor personnel,
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- A current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph.
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Mid - Max)
$155,000 - $174,000 - $195,000
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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.