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.

The Golden Dome missile defense system aims to counter the threat of ballistic, hypersonic, and other advanced threats from peer and near-peer adversaries as directed within the presidential executive order. Within the Golden Dome architecture, 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 Golden Dome missile defense system.

We are looking for a Space-Based Interceptor Launch Integration and Operations Engineering Lead to directly support the SBI Program Office to advise to the development of this novel missile defense capability.

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

WhatYoullBe Doing

• Lead end-to-end systems integration and test activitiesacross space, ground, and user segments for satellite communication systems. Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, verification procedures, and validation approaches for mission-critical interfaces including space-to-ground, ground-to-user, and space-to-user architectures.
• Manage requirements verification and traceabilityfrom mission concept through operational transition. Flow down system requirements, maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and ensure verification coverage using engineering models, simulations, testbeds, and special test equipment throughout the development lifecycle.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary integration effortsby developing System Integration Plans (SIPs), System Test and Integration Plans (STIPs), and supporting Systems Engineering Plans (SEPs). Collaborate with spacecraft systems, flight software, ground software, and operations teams to ensure seamless end-to-end integration and mission success.
• Execute developmental and operational test campaignsincluding developmental testing (DT), operational testing (OT), and integrated test events. Analyze test results, identify anomalies, document findings, and provide technical recommendations to program leadership and government customers to support critical decision-making.
• Support modern development and deployment practicesby implementing Agile and DevSecOps methodologies for space-to-ground system integration. Contribute to CI/CD pipeline development, automated testing frameworks, and cloud-based architecture integration in AWS, Azure, or GCP environments.
• Provide technical risk management and mission assurance supportby identifying integration risks, developing mitigation strategies, conducting trade studies, and performing technical analysis to ensure systems meet mission objectives, performance requirements, and security standards.

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements for Project Leader Acquisition and Operations Systems Engineering:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or relatedtechnicalfield.

• 8 years ofexperiencein Test and Evaluation (TE), 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.

• 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
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a team environment withstrong communicationskills.

• This position requires TS/SCI clearance,issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

In addition to the above, MinimumRequirements for Sr. Project Leader Acquisition and Operations Systems Engineering:

• 12 or more years ofexperiencein Test and Evaluation (TE), 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.
• Strong experience in 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
• Ability to successfully lead a multi-disciplinary team environment withstrong communicationskills.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be Impressive if you have one or more of the following:

• Advanced degrees (Mastersor 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/counter evidence into system level effect analysis.

• Knowledge of cloud/virtual architecture and agile testing methodologies for software integration and test.

• Ability to travel domestically25of the time(potentially OCONUS) for test events, program reviews, and customer meetings, as needed.

We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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)

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 25Employees 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 other25the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.