Communications Payload Network Systems 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 Aerospace Corporation's Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic 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.
The Advanced Systems and Integration department within DSG is responsible for developing the technical requirements and managing the technical execution for the Enterprise Space Terminal (EST) program. It also provides cross-segment systems engineering expertise within the Spectrum Warfare Delta enterprise including critical ground network architecture support across the Delta. We are seeking an innovative network systems engineer with a strong background in space network architectures and satellite communications payloads. This unique position will serve as a key member of the EST payload engineering team and will collaborate with Space Data Network (SDN) and MILNET program counterparts as well as external customer stakeholders. The position will support the development of key EST wideband and command/control interfaces as well as the integration of EST payloads into stakeholder systems. In addition, this position will serve in an advisory role to the larger MILNET program constellation, development of its associated CONOPS, and engagement with their users. This position is for a technical and acquisition role within an integrated program office of USSF military and civilians, Aerospace, and SE&I contractors.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.
What You Will Be Doing

• Lead and direct the implementation of EST network protocols, payload data interfaces, data encryption architectures, and software interfaces by the payload developers
• Manage the customer's technical interface documentation and ensure requirements and capabilities are adequately implemented by the payload developers
• Support the MILNET program with network architecture definition, development, modelling and simulation, and network testbed validation; ensure that EST software and network interfaces are adequately supported by the larger MILNET architecture.
• Develop and assess novel communications systems technologies
• Support occasional site surveys, ground system fielding, and ground system sustainment
• Participate in all aspects of the project life cycle, including acquisition, milestone reviews, integration & test, and operations
• Effectively coordinate relevant Aerospace Engineering & Technology Group (ETG) program support and keep management informed of ETG contributions
• Advise the customer, including government leadership, in formulating, evaluating, and overseeing understanding of system requirements
• Provide insight to Aerospace leadership and the customer on risks, issues, opportunities and associated mitigation strategies and corrective actions
• Work day-to-day to solve challenging systems engineering problems and in response, developing creative solutions
• Establish and maintain the confidence and trust of the government customer

What You Need To Be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Communications Systems Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical degree
• 12 years or more of engineering experience, including experience designing network systems/architectures for satellite communications systems and experience in a systems engineering and/or program management environment
• Strong grasp of network technology including OSI/network layers, protocols, and routing phenomenology
• Understanding of software defined networking systems and techniques
• Experience building and maintaining effective interpersonal relations with internal and external organizations such as with customers, Aerospace, contractors, or related
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Serving as a senior mentor to team members, providing technical guidance to staff in both technical duties and program office responsibilities as well as development insights
• Work integrally and effectively with the program office team and staff from external organizations
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10-25%.
• Willing to travel internationally 1-2 trips per year (approx. 1 week duration each)
• This position requires a current Top Secret/SSBI/SCI clearance to interview with the ability to obtain and maintain additional security clearances, which are 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:

• Graduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical degree
• Experience working in a program office with a government customer
• Experience with DoD and/or commercial satellite communications systems and proliferated LEO network architectures
• Experience working with satellite data encryption systems, including design, development, and requirements verification phase

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)
$171,400 - $257,100
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, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.