Acquisition Lifecycle 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) delivers unparalleled systems engineering expertise to the U.S. government and a broad network of public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial partners advancing space and space-related technologies, programs, and capabilities—including human spaceflight. Spanning the full acquisition lifecycle, SED's capabilities include life cycle systems engineering, acquisition planning, CONOPS development, design and analysis, mission assurance, digital engineering, integration engineering, cost and schedule assessment, supply chain technical risk, and infrastructure design and risk analysis. SED applies a broad array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space and space related programs and national priorities, to drive smarter acquisition decisions, ensure systems are ready when and where needed, and that integrated capabilities perform reliably as intended.

The Acquisition Planning and Decision Analytics (APDA) Department is seeking a Senior Acquisition and Systems 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.  

Work Model: This full-time position will be located onsite in any of Aerospace’s campus locations (El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA).

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Provide systems engineering and acquisition support for National Security Space, civil, and commercial customers with emphasis on providing a sound basis for system acquisition and engineering activities. 

• Collaborate with government program offices, vendors, and stakeholders to provide responsive advice on diverse and innovative acquisition strategies. 

• Create and review acquisition documentation such as Acquisition Strategy Plans, System Engineering Plans, Risk/Issue/Opportunity Plans, and Lifecycle Sustainment Plans.

• Lead and support Lifecycle Technical Reviews, Audits, and Milestones

• Guide requirements management and traceability concepts for program offices. Support maintenance of the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) to include updates and approach to ensure requirements are testable and aligned with mission goals.

• Mentor staff in support of lifecycle acquisition and systems engineering.  

• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams for the development and/or evaluation of ground and space system requirements, design and architecture concepts. 

• Lead the development of program documentation, including System Engineering Plans, Risk/Issue/Opportunity Plans, Requirements Plans, and Lifecycle Sustainment Plans.

• Perform independent assessments in support of acquisition milestone events, including identification and assessment of technical risks and development of pre-acquisition design concepts that will drive new systems. 

• Support and guide procurement planning activities such as market research, industry days and source selection teams. 

• Contribute to the development of procurement documentation including solicitation material, contract deliverables, proposal evaluation plans, and incentive/fee structures across traditional and non-traditional procurement types. 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field is required (Master’s preferred).

• At least 12 years of relevant experience applied to space-related acquisition and systems engineering.

• Experience with requirements and verification (including requirement engineering, requirements management, and/or verification).

• A solid understanding of DoD compliance to include DoD 5000.02, Agile Software Development, and DevSecOps

• Demonstrated experience in supporting project planning, requirements definition, space and ground systems, and program reviews 

• Experience in developing or assessing acquisition strategies and analyses affecting acquisition-related decisions

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

• Demonstrated ability to initiate/complete tasks, lead technical efforts and interact effectively with a broad range of organizations

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to effectively work with all levels of customers, coworkers and contractors are required 

• Ability to be flexible, adaptable and able to manage multiple simultaneous tasks, including occasional business travel

• Ability to obtain an SCI clearance

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in Engineering or STEM related field.

• 15 or more years of relevant experience applied to space-related acquisition and systems engineering.

• Experience applying MBSE concepts in a Systems Engineering role with demonstrated expertise in applications/tools: SysML, Cameo, DOORS, Jira, Confluence, and Agile Development (SAFe/Scrum)

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

• Recognition as a subject matter expert through publications, presentations, or contributions to the professional community.

• Certification in acquisition and/or contracts management recognized professional societies (e.g., INCOSE, DAU, NCMA, PMI).

• Current DoD TS and/or SSBI/SCI Clearance.

• Recent experience supporting senior (Flag / General Officer or Senior Executive) staffs

• Experience leading teams conducting short-term (90-120 day) studies.

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)

$160,300.00 - $240,500.00Pay 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.