Sr. Next Gen OPIR Polar System Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 151,300 - 226,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

401(k) with company-matching (8-12%)

Variable pay program

Telework options

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Systems Engineer for NG OPIR Polar, based on-site in El Segundo, CA. You will support the Program Office with the Prime contractor, ensuring space-ground integration and interfaces are coherent across segments.

Ideal candidates have at least 12 years in system engineering, strong communication, and the ability to influence without direct authority, plus eligibility for a Secret clearance. Relocation assistance and full benefits available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering.
• 12+ years of system-engineering validation and requirement sell-off.
• Deep understanding of OPIR spacecraft and ground-operations.
• Knowledge of launch-vehicle interfaces and environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.
• Willingness to travel ~10%.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Participate in NG OPIR Polar Enterprise Integration Test team.
• Assess segment activities and provide guidance to U.S. Space Force customers.
• Lead architectural consistency across segments.
• Identify and resolve architectural gaps between segments.
• Manage ICDs for Space Ground, Space Launch, and Ground Launch.
• Ensure verification closure across segment boundaries.
• Present system-level status to program management.
• Ensure spacecraft compatibility with launch vehicle and ground readiness.

Skills

Systems thinking

Analytical skills

Documentation skills

Presentation skills

Influence without authority

Strategic thinking

U.S. citizenship

Secret clearance

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) engaged in space programs. The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis‑based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy, strategy, and system integration for the nation’s security space enterprise.

The Next Gen OPIR Polar program is actively building and fielding next‑generation OPIR satellites for the northern hemisphere, providing the U.S. Space Force with missile‑warning capability. This position is a Prime contractor‑focused Systems Engineer required to work full‑time on‑site at our El Segundo, CA facility, supporting the Program Office in collaboration with the Prime Contractor at Redondo Beach, CA.

Responsibilities

• Be a key participant and stakeholder in the NG OPIR Polar Enterprise Integration Test team, supporting the Prime contractor’s space, ground, and launch segments with a primary focus on the space segment.
• Execute independent assessments of segment activities and provide guidance to U.S. Space Force customers.
• Serve as the architectural consistency and compatibility lead across segments.
• Identify and resolve architectural conflicts or gaps between segments.
• Manage Key Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for Space Ground, Space Launch, and Ground Launch interfaces, resolving discrepancies and conflicts.
• Ensure verification closure across segment boundaries.
• Present system‑level status to program management.
• Act as the “glue” that holds the mission together, ensuring spacecraft compatibility with the launch vehicle and readiness of the ground segment upon launch.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience evaluating system‑engineering validation processes and requirement sell‑off, with familiarity with major prime contractor capabilities.
• Deep understanding of OPIR spacecraft systems and ground‑operations centers.
• Knowledge of launch‑vehicle interfaces and environments.
• Systems thinking and the ability to see the “big picture.”
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and influence skills with no direct authority.
• Excellent written and technical documentation skills.
• Strong presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to translate across technical disciplines and manage conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Strategic thinking capabilities.
• Approx. 10% travel.
• Must obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related discipline.
• Proven history supporting U.S. Space Force customers.
• Experience advising U.S. Government customers at critical decision milestones and performing risk assessments.
• Current Secret clearance; SCI preferred.

Compensation

Grade‑based pay range: $151,300.00 – $226,900.00 per year. Pay is determined by education, experience, and skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with company‑matching contributions (8‑12%).
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment.

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 and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, mental disability, or disability status. Individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who need assistance using the online job search and application tools may contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [e-mail].