Sr. Position, Navigation, & Timing (PNT) and Satellite Control Network (SCN) Project Engineer

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.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

Mission Delta 31 (MD 31) manages the operation and sustainment of two critical USSF missions: the Position Navigation & Timing (PNT) Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Satellite Control Network (SCN). The organization seeks a Sr. Position, Navigation, & Timing (PNT) and Satellite Control Network (SCN) Project Engineer to support the MD 31 Chief Engineering office on classified projects. The ideal candidate must have experience in satellites, ground systems, and Nuclear Detonation (NUDET) Detection Systems (NDS). The SPE will serve as the primary liaison between MD 31 and associated groups and organizations, requiring strong communication skills. The selected candidate's contributions will be crucial to project success and customer satisfaction.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at the customer locations in Colorado Springs, CO. Periodic travel is required.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as Aerospace's direct point of contact to the MD 31 Chief Engineer, leading tasks/projects and coordinating Aerospace resources (program office, ETG, and labs) in support.
• Assist in formulating and evaluating technical solutions and conducting risk analyses, defining practical and tangible outcomes for customers.
• Work across the Directorate and Division to integrate evolving capabilities across systems to ensure resilient and secure systems; including cybersecurity and systems engineering.
• Identify, coordinate, and lead major program tasks regarding system-level architectural analysis, conceptual design concepts, and integration of new capabilities.
• Clearly and concisely communicate Aerospace scope, objectives and goals to customer, colleagues, management, and matrixed organizations.

• Seek and identify opportunities for additional, expanded, and new business and assisting higher management in the evaluation and pursuit of new opportunities.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer – Operations Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer science or an equivalent STEM field.
• 12 or more years of relevant technical and leadership experience in ground communications networking, satellite communications, information systems development and acquisition, technical analysis, space operations or program management.
• A strong technical background and experience in operations, systems engineering, mission integration, testing, fielding and operations from a range of perspectives and domains.
• Experience working with mixed government, SETA, and FFRDC teams in systems, and cross collaboration of organizations.
• Experience with the elements and processes associated with a government system acquisition lifecycle.
• Experience leading technical teams in the investigation and analysis of key ground and space system technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively assess and recommend incorporating modern technologies into future ground and space architectures.
• Proficiency to think strategically and set measurable tactical goals for the entire team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas and data to leadership.
• This position requires a TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain additional program clearances as 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:

• Advanced experience in systems engineering, cybersecurity engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Exhibit high-level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative.
• Ability to prioritize effort in a highly dynamic environment.
• Strong working knowledge of satellite, satellite payload, and ground system architectures.
• Experience integrating across multiple USSF organizations.
• Experience with satellite and ground operations command and control systems.
• Experience with NDS and resiliency.

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 - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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

• An inclusive 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.