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.
Job Summary
The Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Engineering & Operations Department (CEOD) staff provide operationally focused engineering solutions for space enterprise C3 systems, missions, and processes in support of our IC, DoD, and civilian customers. We lead system and software test planning and execution campaigns; deliver systems engineering support; provide ground system expertise; influence future electronic warfare (EW), space data transport (SDT), and Commercial Satellite Communication (COMSATCOM) investments; provide operational C2 expertise for future systems; deliver software development expertise; and provide technical support for fielded space systems and their modernization. Do you want to have a positive impact on the present and future space enterprise? Join us as a Ground Systems Test Engineer on the CEOD team in the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) at The Aerospace Corporation!
This position will be onsite in Colorado Springs, CO with possibility for a hybrid work model.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide systems engineering and integration expertise in defining and developing a mission, organizational, physical, functional, signal, hardware/software, and operational interfaces
- Ensure space and ground system requirements are verifiable during the requirements definitions phase
- Provide test and integration expertise to support acquisitions
- Recommend test strategies that incorporate the latest test and integration practices
- Develop high-level test methodologies and architectures
- Evaluate test plans and approach. Support and/or lead test execution, data evaluation, anomaly and deficiency resolution, and residual risk assessment for operationally realistic and system performance testing
- Define requirements for engineering models, simulations, test beds, and special test equipment
- Ensure space-ground and internal interfaces are appropriately tested and evaluated, to include building software tools and/or spreadsheets
- Work across space mission and program boundaries to identify common program challenges and risks, provide enterprise recommendations, and lead issues to closure
- Work closely and effectively with external partners in integrated product teams that include government, industry, and FFRDC members
- Communicate effectively with customers and management through timely reporting of technical issues, analysis reports, and recommendations
This position will be filled as an Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist
Minimum Requirements
What You Need to be Successful
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution in engineering, mathematics, or technical science
- 8 or more years of experience in space systems, ground systems, or systems engineering
- 3 or more years as a test engineer
- Ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a team and manage multiple simultaneous tasks
- Demonstrated strong work ethic, self-motivation, and willingness to take initiative
- High level of creativity, initiative, and innovation
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Active Secret security clearance; eligible for Top Secret SCI
- Willing to travel approximately 25%
Required Qualifications For Sr. Ground Systems Engineer
- 12 or more years of relevant career experience
How You Can Stand Out
We would be impressed if you have any of these experiences:
- Advanced degree from a recognized institution in an applicable STEM concentration
- Experience in agile, MBSE, digital engineering, or related discipline
- Demonstrated software development proficiency
- Experience with other mission areas like Space Domain Awareness (SDA); intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); command and control (C2); missile warning and missile tracking (MW/MT); and, position, navigation, and timing (PNT)
- Experience with US Space Force, SSC, and NRO customers
- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI access and/or SAP/SAR access
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)
$156,000 - $173,500 - $191,000
Pay Basis: Annual
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.