Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) Architect

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.

We’re not just building satellites; we’re constructing the future of defense, one innovative solution at a time. As the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, we tackle the most complex challenges with unmatched technical expertise. The Space Warfighting Analysis Office within our Aerospace Space Security Directorate is seeking a driven Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) Architect to support our DoD customers.

This role will dive deep into cutting-edge Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) and Nuclear Detonation Detection System (NDS) capabilities and analyze and design next-generation MWTD detection systems that will ensure our dominance in space warfare. Through collaboration with a world-class team of passionate problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, your work will directly impact national security and help shape the future of space operations for defense, civil, and commercial customers. In partnership with government officials, this position will define critical analytic problems and tasks, and guide the development of MWTD and NDS Force Design products. This role will leverage your technical expertise and understanding of MWTD and NDS systems to develop high-level requirements and concepts for future architectures. As we shape the battlefield of tomorrow, this position will contribute directly to designing resilient and effective solutions that will win the next war in space.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Guide cutting-edge space capabilities development supporting the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC). In this fast-paced, high-stakes environment, you’ll be at the forefront of national security, crafting next-generation Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense systems for the joint warfighter.
• Spearhead the development of future space architectures, designing resilient and effective solutions to operate in a highly contested operational environment.
• Guide the SWAC’s Government leadership, providing expert advice on technical approaches, force design, systems engineering, and mission architectures for both space and ground-based operations.
• Lead analytical efforts that define the battlefield of tomorrow, developing comprehensive analytic plans, identifying critical tasks, and guiding studies to shape the future of space warfighting.
• Collaborate with a diverse team across multiple classifications, engaging with interagency, military, and civilian communities – including key organizations like Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Development Agency (SDA), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), US Space Command (USSC) and other Combatant Commands.
• Leverage Aerospace’s vast resources to tap into a wealth of expertise, solving complex customer challenges and delivering impactful solutions.
• Make a tangible impact by communicating your findings to senior leadership at Aerospace and the government, ensuring your work directly influences national security strategy.
• This role demands strong leadership, technical acumen, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of space warfare.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related technical field from a recognized institution. Master’s or PhD preferred.
• 8 or more years of progressively more responsible technical experience with space sensing systems development and acquisition, analysis, operations and/or program management.
• Familiarity with space Missile Warning, Tracking and Defense systems and architectures.
• Demonstrated familiarity with managing the use, and interpreting the output, of defense-related modeling and simulation toolsets
• Familiarity with interpreting and leveraging and creating model-based systems engineering (MBSE) views and artifacts
• Ability to independently work and thrive in a fast-paced & dynamic environment working on complex problems.
• Ability to work effectively with integrated Government, FFRDC, UARC, and SETA teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Willing to travel occasionally approx. 20% (as required)
• This position requires an active Top Secret security clearance, with eligibility for SCI and SAP/SAR clearances, which are issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Applicant must be willing to take a US government administered polygraph test.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Sr. Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineeringinclude:

• 12 or more years of relevant technical experience in OPIR space systems development and acquisition, analysis, operations and/or program management.
• Proven ability to work within integrated Government, FFRDC, and SETA teams.
• Demonstrated strong technical leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• High level of creativity, initiative systems thinking, and innovation.
• Five or more years of experience interfacing directly with customers.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Masters or PhD degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related technical field
• Over 10 years of modeling, simulation, and analysis experience, with a strong background in space systems technologies, space architectural concepts or joint warfighting operations.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with creating, supporting and/or leading technical studies teams examining topics of national significance including tasking and managing matrixed technical resources.
• Direct experience with Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense mission areas and systems.
• Demonstrated success in directly interfacing with senior government leadership of varying backgrounds.
• Experience with digital engineering and/or agile approaches to analysis and development activities.
• Extensive experience with one or more space system development program offices.
• Experience developing space mission architectures.
• Experience working with the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, Space Security and Defense Program, US Space Force, US Space Command or Missile Defense Agency.

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)

$117,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay 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.