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. The Ground Systems Engineer ( Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) in the Space Rapid Capabilities Directorate within the Agile Acquisition Division will support the development and integration of a critical ground system for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO). The SpRCO is rapidly developing and fielding highly classified critical space capabilities for the space enterprise. The Ground Systems Engineer will actively participate in all phases of the ground development to ensure operationally dominant space capabilities are delivered at the speed of warfighting relevance. This includes technical support for vehicle to ground system integration, development of command and control services, providing engineering support and contractor oversight of the acquisition, development of evolving system architectures to support operations testing, readiness, and on-orbit operations. Work Model This is an on-site position based at the Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM What You’ll Be Doing Coordinate with Government, SETA, and contractor teams to field a critical ground system Support program reviews, design, development, test, and transition to operations efforts Understand and ensure implementation of requirements for ground system design, mission concept of operations, prototype and test, initial flight checkout, flight operations, and operational transition support Provide mission assurance and assist with ground architecture development and integration efforts in a commercial cloud environment Identify risk areas and mitigation efforts to meet mission objectives Work closely with Program Manager (O-5) Solicit and oversee members of the Aerospace Engineering Technical Group (ETG) to employ their expertise on critical problems the local program office may find difficult to solve Routinely present status updates to Senior Material Leaders (O-6) and Space SpRCO Director (SES-2) Interface with multiple government agencies to provide capability to the warfighter What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering Minimum Requirements: BS degree in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or related STEM field is required Space experience is required (satellite ground development and operations) 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management Demonstrated ability to work within teams Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information Travel is required This position requires a current TS/SCI security clearance with SAP eligibility, 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 technical discipline (engineering, science or math) Extensive satellite operations experience to include satellite ground system development and / or testing Extensive satellite design / integration Systems Engineering experience Systems Engineering experience with rapid operational systems An excellent personal technical reputation and a record of personal technical achievement Program office and management experience Working knowledge of expertise from across the Aerospace corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations with the ability to support customer needs Where You'll Be Working It's called the Land of Enchantment for a reason! 300+ days of sunshine annually makes Albuquerque, New Mexico, an outdoor lover's dream environment for work-life balance Right on the Rio Grande River and surrounded by mountain ranges with endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, biking, and more A hub for multicultural exploration with numerous museums, exhibitions, and celebrations Some of the best food in the world with local flavor, farm-to-table, and foodie hotspot Something for everyone from singles to families, and home to the largest hot-air balloon fiesta in the world (we could go on and on) 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.