Lead Indications and Warnings 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.

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.

We are looking for a Lead Engineer for Indications & Warnings (Senior Project Leader, Multi-Disciplinary Engineering) for the Survivability and Resilience Office of the Advanced Technology Division within the National Systems Group. This office provides critical subject matter expertise to assist the government in architecting, developing, and verifying resilient space and ground systems. In this role, you and your program office and ETG team will leverage skills across multiple science and engineering disciplines to identify and mitigate critical issues for a key system to protect US space systems.  This position works in close partnership with government leadership across multiple agencies to identify, elevate, and recommend new technologies and engineering techniques for current and future ground systems.

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide technical leadership on program development for software-intensive ground system-of-systems acquisitions
• Oversee the Contractor software development efforts and identify potential risks and issues, working with senior government staff leading Aerospace teams to assist with innovative solutions
• Lead Aerospace subject matter experts to analyze impacts of Contractor-recommended changes, and advise the government program office on alternative solutions and implementation strategies
• Identify opportunities for Aerospace-led studies and assessments to inform and guide government decision-making, create the Aerospace team, lead these efforts, and communicate findings or recommendations
• Lead ETG to identify integration strategies and approaches for incorporating new innovations, capabilities, and Aerospace study results into the program
• Coordinate and help manage deliveries for a team of Aerospace subject matter experts
• Represent the program office as technical SME ready to lead Integrated Product Teams with program office and development Contractor personnel

What You Need to be Successful - Lead Indications and Warnings Engineer

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in science, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• 12 years of experience in software development or major system acquisition
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment
• Skilled communicator, able to convey complex topics effectively to senior leadership
• Ability to lead and manage complex tasks across multiple customer needs, gain consensus, and deliver actionable results
• Experience supporting at least one software or ground system development
• Willing to travel domestically/internationally approx. 5%  
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is 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 science, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• Broad experience supporting large software and/or ground system development efforts
• Basic understanding of threats to space systems or familiarity with military command and control in space or other domains (air, land, sea)
• Familiarity with satellite ground systems
• Awareness of AI technologies and how they can support or enhance mission solutions
• Understanding of the I&W mission

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)

$165,300.00 - $247,900.00Pay 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.