The Aerospace Corporation

Space-Based Interceptor Launch Integration and Operations Engineering Lead

The Aerospace Corporation$120K — $233K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field.
  • 8 years of experience in Test and Evaluation (T&E), specifically in space-to-ground or ground-to-user interfaces.
  • Knowledge of DoD Test and Evaluation processes, including DoDI 5000 series.
  • Experience with test planning and analysis using management software and simulation environments.
  • Direct experience with space systems operations or integration.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams.
  • Top Secret/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

  • Lead integration and testing of satellite communication systems across multiple segments.
  • Manage requirements verification and traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Develop System Integration and Test Plans, coordinating multidisciplinary efforts.
  • Execute developmental and operational test campaigns, analyzing results for decision-making.
  • Implement Agile and DevSecOps methodologies for system integration.
  • Provide risk management and mission assurance support, developing mitigation strategies.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
  • Flexible work schedules, including telework options.
  • 401(k) plan with company contribution and immediate vesting upon hire.
  • Professional growth and development programs available.
  • Education assistance programs offered.
  • Inclusive work environment focused on teamwork and respect.
Full Job Description

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 customers27 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.

WhatYou27llBe 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 2D Acquisition and Operations Systems Engineering:

  • Bachelor27s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or relatedtechnicalfield.
  • 8 years ofexperiencein Test and Evaluation (T26E), 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.
  • Experience with assisting and leadingmultiplecross-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 a Top Secret/SCI clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

In addition to the above, the MinimumRequirements for Sr. Project Leader 2D Acquisition and Operations Systems Engineering include:

  • 12 or more years ofexperiencein Test and Evaluation (T26E), 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.
  • Experience with leading multiple cross-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 (Master27sor 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 domestically2525%of the time(potentially OCONUS) for test events, program reviews, and customer meetings, as needed.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you27ll 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)

$120,800.00 - $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 2D 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

About The Aerospace Corporation

The Aerospace Corporation is a nonprofit corporation that operates a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) headquartered in El Segundo, California. The corporation provides technical guidance and advice on all aspects of space missions to military, civil, and commercial customers. Aerospace also designs and develops spacecraft, sensors, and other systems in support of national security, civil, and commercial customers. The corporation has more than 4,000 employees and operates a number of laboratories and test facilities across the United States.
Learn more about The Aerospace Corporation
Size
4,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1960

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