GEOINT Acquisition Systems Engineer

aero; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 166,400 - 249,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

401(k) Plan with up to 12% company-paid benefit

Education assistance programs

Job summary

Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Payload Systems Senior Project Engineer in Chantilly, VA. In this role, you will lead technical acquisition efforts for complex space programs, ensuring mission compliance and collaborating with diverse engineering teams.

The ideal candidate will possess 12+ years of expertise in electro-optical engineering and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance and U.S. citizenship. Join a team dedicated to impactful innovations in space.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressively more responsible electro-optical engineering experience.
• Proven experience successfully interacting with customers and program offices.
• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical acquisition efforts for complex space programs.
• Serve as primary technical point of contact for stakeholders.
• Assess payload designs to ensure mission compliance.

Skills

Electro-optical engineering experience

Technical expertise in optical systems

Team leadership

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related field

Job description

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The GEOINT Development Office (GDO) serves as the technical adviser for national intelligence electro‑optical programs. The Systems Engineering department within GDO leverages Aerospace core competencies to support program objectives throughout the system lifecycle. By applying robust systems engineering practices and in‑depth knowledge of both hardware and mission requirements, the department delivers technical recommendations and solutions across multiple programs. As a Payload Systems Senior Project Engineer, you will work closely with the customer and colleagues to effectively lead matrixed engineering in support of next generation systems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead technical acquisition efforts for complex space programs from early development through design phases
• Serve as primary technical point of contact, maintaining stakeholder alignment and providing expert advisory support throughout the acquisition lifecycle
• Assess payload designs using optical systems expertise to ensure technical rigor and mission compliance
• Develop mission CONOPS, requirements, and technical documentation that drive evaluation processes and acquisition decisions
• Coordinate cross‑organizational teams of Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) Subject Matter Experts for technical assessments, issue resolution, and proof‑of‑concept demonstrations
• Work in a fast‑paced environment requiring strategy, critical thinking, and collaboration

What You Need to be Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related field
• 12+ years of progressively more responsible electro‑optical engineering experience
• Technical expertise in electro‑optical systems, including optical development, modeling and analysis, focal plane testing, or related technologies
• Experience leading or coordinating multi‑disciplinary engineering teams in support of complex space system programs
• Proven experience successfully interacting with or working in a program office environment, such as a mixed working environment of customers, SETA, and FFRDC
• Willingness to travel domestically as frequently as once a month
• Position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related field
• Experience with IR electro‑optical systems
• Understanding of systems engineering processes used in government space acquisition, including requirements development and verification, technical evaluations, and reference architectures
• Prior development of analysis tools, data processing frameworks, or performance modeling capabilities
• Prior experience in experimental design, optical systems alignment, and characterization testing
• Prior experience working in an engineering matrix supporting program office and customer leadership

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.

Pay Basis: Annual

Min - Max: $166,400.00 - $249,600.00

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

• 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 [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.