APDA Human Systems Acquisition 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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

The Acquisition Planning and Decision Analytics (APDA) Department is seeking a Human Systems Acquisition Engineer to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of acquisition and systems engineering professionals.  This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers in the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. APDA applies deep technical expertise and experience to deliver pre-acquisition and systems engineering planning expertise and products to form a sound basis for space, ground, and launch system program acquisition lifecycle activities.   

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at one of the following facilities: El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA; Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing  

• A trusted technical program advisor focused on solving some of the nation's most critical missions with cutting-edge solutions that meet the future head-on

• Provide thought leadership and engineering support centered on delivering effective Human Systems Integration (HSI) for complex acquisitions to multiple customers across different classification levels

• Advise key stakeholders and government customers by conducting cradle-to-grave acquisition support and risk management for human-engaged systems that enable effective contract administration, standards and/or policy compliance, and oversight based on best practices and lessons learned

• Collaborate with government program office customers, stakeholders, and colleagues to provide agile, responsive, and decisive advice on diverse and innovative human systems engineering acquisition and innovation strategies

• Support modernization of capabilities to better manage, integrate, and share data across the subdivision and ensure the implementation of technical and operational best practices and lessons learned

• Host educational workshops, brown-bag lunch sessions, and training programs to promote knowledge sharing

• Develop and deliver accurate and timely reports and presentations that clearly communicate results and solutions to support critical decisions

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements: Engineering Specialist

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a relevant STEM field 

• At least 8 years of relevant experience in space-related acquisition and systems engineering

• Coursework and/or experience in Human Systems (HS), Human Factors Engineering (HFE), or Human Systems Integration (HSI)

• Previous experience leading highly technical project teams

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors

• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes excellence and collaboration

• Willing to travel domestically up to 10%

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US 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 from an accredited university Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a relevant STEM field, with emphasis on HS/HFE/HSI

• Prior leadership or management experience, particularly in acquisition and systems engineering processes

• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels

• Knowledge of government (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA) acquisition and systems engineering policies and practices, space systems, and advanced space technologies

• Familiarity with systems engineering and acquisition concepts, especially end-user operations

• Affiliation in a systems engineering, acquisition, and/or HSI/HF/HSE professional organization 

• Publications, presentations, or contributions within the acquisition and/or systems engineering professional community and/or academia

• Certification in acquisition, systems engineering, and/or HSI/HF/HSE from a recognized professional society (e.g., INCOSE, DAU)

• Active TS and/or SSBI/SCI clearance

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)

$131,400.00 - $197,000.00Pay 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.