Aerospace Engineer, Ground Systems with Security Clearance

Astrion; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion seeks an experienced Aerospace Engineer to provide SETA support at Los Angeles Air Force Base. The role focuses on space systems acquisition, integration, and modernization across space and ground segments. Requires active TS/SCI and strong systems engineering skills.

The selected candidate will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with government and industry partners, and contribute to critical operational capabilities in missile warning, tracking, and defense programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline.
• At least 7 years of aerospace/space systems or defense acquisition experience.
• Experience with DoD/Space Force programs and technical writing.
• Active TS/SCI clearance is preferred / required for some positions.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level aerospace systems engineering and technical advisory support across the acquisition lifecycle.
• Support requirements development, validation, verification, and configuration control.
• Conduct system-of-systems engineering across space, ground, launch, and mission segments.
• Develop architecture using MBSE, Digital Engineering, and mission-thread analysis.
• Review contractor engineering products and prepare acquisition documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and support cross-functional teams.

Skills

Technical writing

Briefing

Coordination

Problem solving

Independent work

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Systems/Electrical/Mechanical Eng

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Overview Aerospace Engineer - SETA Support Location: Los Angeles Air Force Base; in person/hybrid. No remote Job Type: Full-Time Clearance: Active Top Secret Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Travel: Occasional travel may be required (10%) Salary Range: $110,000 + annually* *depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications We are seeking an Aerospace Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to Space Systems Command, Space Sensing Directorate (SSC/SN), located at Los Angeles Air Force Base. The selected candidate will support the acquisition, development, integration, test, launch, operations, sustainment, and modernization of space-based missile warning, missile tracking, missile defense, battlespace awareness, and technical intelligence capabilities. The engineer will provide enterprise-level systems engineering and integration support across space, ground, communications, and mission-support segments, including Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) GEO and Polar systems, FORGE, RGS, Resilient Missile Warning Track, and related OPIR sensor capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level aerospace systems engineering and technical advisory support across the full acquisition lifecycle.
• Support requirements development, decomposition, validation, verification, traceability, and configuration control.
• Conduct system-of-systems engineering and integration across space, ground, launch, communications, and operational mission segments.
• Support architecture development using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Digital Engineering, and mission-thread analysis.
• Evaluate technical baselines, interfaces, system performance, risks, dependencies, and readiness.
• Support program reviews, engineering review boards, configuration control boards, technical interchange meetings, IPTs, working groups, and milestone reviews.
• Analyze technical discrepancies, anomalies, deficiencies, and interface issues; develop corrective actions and closure documentation.
• Support launch integration, early orbit operations, on-orbit checkout, operational readiness, and transition to sustainment.
• Review and assess contractor engineering products, including Systems Engineering Plans, Interface Control Documents, specifications, verification plans, test reports, risk assessments, and CDRL deliverables.
• Develop and maintain integrated master schedule inputs, critical-path analyses, risk registers, dependency/giver-receiver lists, and mitigation plans.
• Support mission area analysis for Missile Warning, Missile Defense, Battlespace Awareness, and Technical Intelligence.
• Assess the maturity and integration of ground processing, mission data, sensor fusion, command-and-control, and reporting capabilities.
• Support cybersecurity, system safety, mission assurance, resiliency, reliability, maintainability, and program protection activities.
• Coordinate with SSC organizations, mission partners, operational users, USSTRATCOM, the Intelligence Community, Missile Defense Agency, Space Delta 4, and other government and industry stakeholders.
• Prepare executive-level briefings, technical assessments, decision papers, status reports, and acquisition documentation.
• Identify technical, schedule, cost, and performance risks and recommend Courses of Action (COAs).
• Mentor junior engineers and support cross-functional engineering teams. Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 7 years of relevant aerospace, space systems, defense acquisition, or systems engineering experience.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense or Space Force acquisition programs.
• Experience with space systems, missile warning, missile tracking, missile defense, satellite systems, ground systems, or mission operations.
• Experience with requirements management, technical baseline management, systems integration, verification and validation, and risk management.
• Knowledge of the DoD acquisition lifecycle and applicable policies, processes, and standards.
• Strong technical writing, briefing, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with government, contractor, operational, and senior leadership stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in a relevant engineering or technical field.
• Experience supporting SSC, Missile Warning, OPIR, SBIRS, FORGE, or related programs.
• Familiarity with AFI 63-101/20-101, AFI 63-1201, DoDI 5000.02, MIL-STD-882E, NIST SP 800-160, and applicable space safety and acquisition guidance.
• Experience with MBSE, Digital Engineering, Agile development, DevSecOps, and model-based mission assurance.
• Experience with launch integration, on-orbit operations, ground segment integration, sensor fusion, or TCPED processes.
• Active TS/SCI clearance. #CJ CJ#