Space Systems Engineer/Sr.Space Systems Engineer

aero; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 117,300 - 226,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

401(k) Plan with matching contributions

Flexible spending accounts

Professional development programs

Job summary

aero is seeking an Engineering Specialist to provide systems engineering support for customer programs, particularly in the intelligence community. Responsibilities include leading engineering teams and evaluating spacecraft designs during critical reviews.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of relevant experience, advanced knowledge of subsystems, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment. A competitive salary range of $117,300.00 - $226,900.00 annually is offered, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Over 8 years of experience in space systems engineering.
• Advanced knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and systems engineering.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering support for customer programs.
• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Evaluate feasibility of designs during key milestone reviews.

Skills

Space systems engineering

Project leadership

Communication skills

Technical analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering or science discipline

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.)

Job description

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing space vehicle systems engineering support for customer programs, with a focus on the intelligence community.
• Leading and participating in studies, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, to assess breadth of space system designs for accuracy and completeness.
• Evaluating the feasibility of space system designs during key milestone reviews such as Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, etc.
• Delivering products requiring space systems engineering expertise.
• Working proactively and autonomously with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group.
• Establishing high‑performing teams with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group.
• Mentoring junior members of the department.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
• More than 8 years of relevant experience in space systems engineering.
• Advanced knowledge and/or relevant experience in spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering topics, and spacecraft design.
• Experience in leading, developing, and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long‑range technical studies.
• Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure.
• Ability to travel domestically, on an occasional basis.
• Current or active TS/SSBI.

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist

• More than 12 years of relevant experience in space systems engineering.
• Exceptional knowledge and/or relevant experience in spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering topics, and spacecraft design.
• Subject matter expertise in spacecraft‑level systems engineering to support execution of customer programs.
• Proven ability to lead the development of systems engineering processes and initiate capabilities development activities.

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
• Superior knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering topics.
• Experience with flight programs across defense and commercial sectors.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with government and contractor counterparts.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.

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 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

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 Known Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.