Space-Based Environmental Monitoring- Ground System Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 117,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework options

Relocation assistance

Professional growth programs

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an experienced engineer for the Enterprise Effects Division to advance NOAA ground systems and satellite architecture studies. You will lead concept exploration, design trades, and data integration efforts across diverse programs and partners.

You will mentor junior team members, collaborate with program offices, and contribute to fast-paced, multi-disciplinary projects while supporting space mission objectives under government- and contractor-defined

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field.
• Typically, at least 6 years of engineering experience leading multidisciplinary teams in space, intelligence, and/or defense domains.
• Strong knowledge of satellite ground systems, Earth observation spacecraft systems, and systems engineering principles.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in developing ground systems concepts for satellite missions.
• Demonstrated experience in mission control, mission processing systems, or data processing architectures for space-based Earth observation systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide concept exploration and engineering support for NOAA satellite ground system architectures supporting disaggregated observation missions.
• Lead and participate in conceptual and preliminary architecture studies and trades of ground systems capable of integrating data and services from NOAA, international partners, and commercial satellite assets.
• Evaluate ground system design and architecture concepts for multi-source data integration and participate in design reviews.
• Work with applicable program offices and technical experts across Aerospace Corporation.
• Develop tools and models that support ground system concept design, architecture trades, and interoperability analysis for heterogeneous satellite constellations.
• Mentor junior members of the organization.

Skills

Strong knowledge of satellite ground

Systems engineering principles

Independent work

Travel readiness 5-10%

Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance

Mentoring/leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in engineering or related technical field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Simulink

STK

C++

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space‑enabled capabilities.

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model: This position will follow an in‑person work model with a minimum of 4 days per week of onsite work required at the NOAA/NESDIS HQ Offices in Silver Spring, MD or one of Aerospace’s campuses.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide concept exploration and engineering support for NOAA satellite ground system architectures supporting disaggregated observation missions

• Lead and participate in conceptual and preliminary architecture studies and trades of ground systems capable of integrating data and services from NOAA, international partners, and commercial satellite assets

• Evaluate ground system design and architecture concepts for multi‑source data integration and participate in design reviews

• Work with applicable program offices and technical experts across Aerospace Corporation

• Develop tools and models that support ground system concept design, architecture trades, and interoperability analysis for heterogeneous satellite constellations

• Mentor junior members of the organization

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist:

• Bachelor of Science degree engineering, science, or a related technical field

• Typically, at least 6 years of engineering experience leading, developing, and working on multidisciplinary teams in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains

• A strong knowledge of satellite ground systems, Earth observation spacecraft systems, and systems engineering principles

• Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under deadlines

• Demonstrated experience in developing ground systems concepts for satellite missions

• Demonstrated experience in mission control, mission processing systems, or data processing architectures for space‑based Earth observation systems

• Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long‑term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs

• Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10%

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance 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:

• Advanced degree in engineering, math, science, or related technical discipline

• Demonstrated experience with cloud‑based ground system architectures and offering (i.e., Amazon, Microsoft, or Oracle) for satellite operations and data processing

• Demonstrated experience with hybrid on‑premise and cloud infrastructure for Earth observation data systems

• Demonstrated experience with ground station architectures, networks, antenna systems, and RF ground entry points for satellite downlink

• Demonstrated experience with data interoperability standards and protocols for multi‑mission, multi‑source satellite data integration and Earth observation (e.g., HDF5, NetCDF, CCSDS)

• Demonstrated experience with communications and networking architectures supporting distributed ground systems

• Demonstrated experience with software architectures supporting satellite data processing, including microservices, APIs, and service‑oriented architectures

• Knowledge of agile and DevOps approaches for ground system software development

• Familiarity with database technologies and distributed processing frameworks for large‑scale Earth observation data

• Demonstrated experience with data center design, operations, network maintenance, load balancing, and data coordination

• Proficiency in simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, etc.

• Experience with international partnership agreements and commercial data acquisition strategies

• Familiarity with NOAA mission requirements and operational constraints

• Experienced in the ethical and effective application of generative AI and LLMs to streamline workflows and enhance output quality.

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)

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00Pay 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 [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.