Space-to-Ground Systems Integration Engineer
The Aerospace Corporation
El Segundo, California
Full-Time
$100,300
RemoteExecutive
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 Systems Engineering Division (SED)offersexpertisein systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.
TheSystems Integration and Test Office(SITO)createand review system functional, performance, and operationally relevant test programs for internal and external customerspace, ground, and user segment systems. Responsible for performing systems integrationand testtasks relatedto mission and system threads, interface definition, technology insertion, and useof system integration tools and techniques.
The selected candidate willbe requiredto work full-time, on-site at our facility in El SegundoCA (oralternativelocations atColorado SpringsCO,or ChantillyVA).
WhatYou’llBe Doing
• Lead cross-segment systems integration across space-to-ground, ground-to-user, and space-to-user interfaces for mission-critical satellite and ground systems.You'llensure seamless integration between space vehicles, ground control systems, user equipment, and communication networks.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test and verification programs for space, ground, anduser segment systems.Createand review system functional and performance test plans,defining verification and validation approaches, and supporting programand designreviews throughout development, test, and transition to operations.
• Manage requirements flow-down and verification for space and ground segment systems,including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), engineering models, simulations, testbeds, and special test equipment. Ensure requirements traceability from mission concept of operations through prototype development, initial flight checkout, flight operations, and operational transition.
• Provide mission assurance and systems engineering support for space-to-groundarchitecture development in commercial cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP).Identifytechnical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure integration efforts meet missionobjectivesand security requirements.
• Analyze and recommend solutions for space-to-ground system architecture, software design,acquisition strategies, operations, and sustainment. Support decision-making processes through technical analysis, trade studies, and risk assessments.
•Establishmodern development practices by implementing Agile andDevSecOpsmethodologies for space-to-ground system software development. Define development metrics, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and automated testing frameworks.
• Create integration plans and coordinate across disciplines by developing space-to-ground, space-to-user, and ground-to-user segment integration plans (SIPs), system engineering plans (SEPs), system test and integration plans (STIPs) using Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP) and Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMP).Lead requirements verification activities and coordinate with spacecraft systems, flight software, ground software, and operations teams to ensure end-to-end mission success.
•Support operational testing and evaluation byparticipatingin developmental tests (DT), operational tests (OT), andintegrated test events. Analyze test results, document findings, and provide technical recommendations to government customers and program leadership.
What You Need to be Successful
MinimumRequirements for Sr. MTS:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or relatedtechnicalfield.
5years ofexperienceinTest andEvaluation(T&E),verification ofspace-to-ground or ground-to-user segmentinterfacerequirementsincludingsystems engineering,and/or operations of space systems, satellites,and/or groundsystemsinfrastructure within theU.S.government agencies and/or aerospace industry.
Direct experience with space systems (satellite development, ground station operations, mission operations, or space system integration).
Understanding of space and/or groundsystemarchitectureand satellite operationsincluding orbital mechanics, satellitesubsystems (e.g.,spacecraft bus,payload), groundsystem functions (command and control, telemetry and mission data processing, and space-to-ground(or ground-to-user)data links and protocols).
Experience with systems(and/or system of systems)integration planning,execution, and test.In addition, familiarity with System IntegrationPlans (SIP), Systems Engineering Plans (SEP), and System Test and Integration Plans (STIP).
Experience with the following: systems engineering tools (e.g.,Cameo), test management software, simulation environments (STK, Simulink), or scripting languages (Python, MATLAB).
Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a team environment withstrong communicationskills.
Secret clearancerequired(active clearance preferred,orability toobtainone).
In addition to the above, theminimumrequirements for an Engineering Specialistinclude:
8 years ofexperiencein Test and Evaluation (T&E), verification ofspace-to-ground or ground-to-user segment interface requirements including systems engineering, and/or operations of space systems, satellites, and/or ground systems infrastructure within the U.S.government agencies and/or aerospace industry.
Working knowledge ofDepartment of Defense Instruction (DoDI)Test andEvaluation processes and documentation, including familiarity with DoDI 5000 series acquisition policies, Developmental Tests(DT), Operational Tests(OT), integrated test strategies, Test and Evaluation Master Plans(TEMP), Systems Engineering Management Plans(SEMP)development and execution.
Experience with test planning, execution, and analysis using test management software, simulation environments, statistical tools, and technical reporting forU.S. government agencyevaluation and decision processes.
Ability to independently leadmultiplecross-functional technical teams,multiple concurrent tasks, and communicate technical information clearly and persuasively.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be Impressive if you have one or more of the following:
Advanced degrees (Master’sor Ph.D.) in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field.
Mission testing and integration knowledge and experience for specific U.S. Space Force (USSF), Intelligence Community (IC), or commercial customers (e.g., system requirements, system (and/or system of systems) integration and testing, spacecraft subsystems, manufacturing, test, and/or spacecraft/ground operations).
Havedemonstratedability to take a system-level perspective and flow down salient aspects of system behavior into requirements and assess requirements verification evidence/counterevidence into system level effect analysis.
Knowledge of cloud/virtual architecture and agile testing methodologies for software integration and test.
Ability toleverageArtificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies tooptimizetesting workflows and integration efficiency.
Ability to travel domestically10-20%of the time(potentially OCONUS) for test events, program reviews, and customer meetings, as needed.
Active TS/SCI clearance(or ability to obtain one).
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)
$100,300.00 - $175,900.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership 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:
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.