Space Network Systems Engineer

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.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Aerospace Corporation’s Network Systems Department (NSD) is seeking an innovative Space Network Systems Engineer with a strong background in networking architecture and systems integration/implementation.  Candidate will be supporting the development of future network concepts in space and its connectivity to ground entry points.  Network architectures will be analyzed to validate successful meeting of requirements, prototyping certain segments of the network to verify data throughput resiliency, and performing network trade studies to compare routing protocol performance.  Candidates will also be expected to assist with technology demonstrations to optimize the overall performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based communication systems. Support of future optical communication networking physical testbeds that require configuration of end-point appliances, switches, routers, and firewalls is also within scope AWS VPC Cloud formation templates. A qualified candidate will possess a good understanding of the latest networking and enterprise computing technologies, and the ability to apply that knowledge to solve the toughest problems for our customers.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Participate in multi-disciplinary engineering teams in the development and analysis of future network architectures, also assist in defining future requirements to achieve mission success
• Support development and implementation of advanced network protocols, routing, and QoS algorithms and architectures
• Assist in running various systems engineering tasks and projects through systems architecture definition, development, analysis, modeling & simulation, and prototype development/validation
• Help evaluate and develop novel communication engineering technologies
• Analyze and simulate complex network architectures and protocols
• Complete tasks and participate in technical meetings for DoD, IC, and Civil & Commercial customers, working closely with members of a diverse team comprising of military officers, government civilians, prime contractors, SE&I contractors and other FFRDCs
• Assist in specialized technical studies and internal research and development projects to develop the next generation of Space and Ground network concepts, architectures, and technologies
• Support sustainment and development of core network simulation, emulation, and modeling capabilities
• Identify and develop new business opportunities with current and new customers

What You Need to be Successful –  Senior MTS

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
• Four or more years of related experience with a strong capability of designing network topology/architecture for ground-based and satellite networks
• Strong understanding of network layers, protocols, and routing algorithms
• Experience in network design, analysis, and some modeling & simulation
• Experience in virtualization and enterprise computing platforms
• Familiar with the latest networking/computing trends and technologies
• Capability to travel to support customers at various locations
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required 

How You Can Stand Out

 It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced technical degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline
• Current CCIE or CCNP Cisco Certification
• Experience utilizing Python, MATLAB, and/or  C/C++
• Strong expertise in Azure, AWS, VPC Security, Cloud Formation Templates
• Experience with military and commercial satellite communication systems and network engineering
• Experience with inter-satellite cross-links and laser optical communication technologies
• Project development experience and demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams
• In-depth understanding of emerging communication and network technologies (5G, IoT, IoST)
• Current and active U.S. Government issued DOD - Secret Clearance or higher

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)

$117,000.00 - $175,400.00Pay 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.