Space-Based Interceptor Ground System Analyst

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 Materiel 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.

The Special Programs Division supports a broad array of Combat Power missions covering the entire threat response chain which includes the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities. The Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) Program Office seeks to develop and deploy a proliferated constellation of space-based interceptors capable of boost-phase engagement of adversary missiles. The SBI interceptors will employ a Fire Control capability that is integrated with the overall multi-layered missile defense program.

Our team is seeking a Space-Based Interceptor Ground System Analyst (Senior Project Leader- Software Architecture and Systems Software Engineering) to directly support the SBI Program Office to advise the development of the common ground element of this novel missile defense capability.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Huntsville, AL.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assisting government with development of interfacing with external missile defense architectural elements

• Directing technical projects with contributing SMEs across the country and from other SETA/FFRDC/UARCs

• Enable a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) within the SBI system-of-systems, including Space Interceptors, Common Ground Elements, and Fire Control Elements

• Enabling solutions for Industry partners on performance constellation management functions, including the ability to ingest telemetry data from multi-vendor SBI solutions and generate command messages for controlling host satellites and interceptors

• Contribute to the design of a comprehensive Common Operating Picture, including the health and status of all SBIs, and connect with the Common Data Transport Layer for seamless data integration

• Working closely with the fire control team to integrate the Common Ground Element for the SBI architecture within the multi-layered missile defense program

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Project Leader (Software Architecture and Systems Software Engineering):

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or closely related technical field

• 12 or more years of relevant professional experience

• Experience providing technical expertise to the government in a variety of settings

• Background in ground architectures and software development

• Strong proficiency with satellite command and control systems

• Experience coordinating and leading multidiscipline technical teams formed to solve complex technical aerospace issues

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically) approximately 25% (as required)

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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:

• Experience in early program acquisitions and/or rapid prototyping programs and/or a competitive environment

• Strong background in developing and managing interface control documents (ICDs) with a focus on enabling interoperability within complex systems and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity and encryption standards is strongly preferred

• Experience in constellation performance management and providing a comprehensive Common Operating Picture and health status of the constellation

• Proficiency in designing and operating cloud environments and antenna systems with the capability to integrate with fire control systems, manage command and control functions, and ensure seamless data handoff and updates within a secure infrastructure

• Experience with demonstration missions and/or prototyping missions

• Proven ability to execute tasks in a matrixed environment and establish effective working relationships with customers, addressing their needs, building relationships, and communicating effectively

• Technical expertise in developing, testing, and sustaining flight software or ground systems for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or missiles, as well as integrating AI & ML technologies to enhance mission capabilities and support technical decision-making with quantitative approaches

• Demonstration of superior communication skills in a fast-paced environment

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)

$155,900.00 - $233,900.00

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.