Ground 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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

In the role of Ground Systems Engineer (Project Engineer- Systems Engineering), you will be an integral part of the Mission Operations and Engineering Department within the Environmental Remote Sensing (ERS) Division. The department provides Satellite Ground Services and Space Mission Systems Engineering to NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Production Operations (OSPO) and other NESDIS line offices. This support includes interfacing with Aerospace and customer program management, leading and/or performing enterprise level trade studies and analysis, requirements definition/analysis, integration and test, ground system evolution and technology insertion, mission operations, and the transition of ground-based capabilities to next generation systems including enterprise ground implementations.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Suitland, MD or Silver Spring, MD, offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage, plan, and perform broad based programmatic and engineering activities
• Interact with customer technical support on ground and space-based services development
• Provide direct support to senior government decision makers regarding program management schedules, risks, and issues.
• Facilitate project specifics tasking between customers' and Aerospace technical management staff
• Support analyses & architecture/systems trade studies
• Participate in NOAA ground studies to recommend cost effective solutions for future Enterprise architectures
• Apply broad skillset to innovative solutions
• Support Design, Integration & Test of space and ground-based solutions
• Coordinate NOAA system migration activities and ensure partner mission integration at reasonable cost, and to mitigate the risk of system obsolescence
• Advise on strategic technology directions to improve the system capabilities, product quality and reduce operational costs.

What You Need to Be Successful - Project Engineer-Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related discipline
• 6 or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including space and/or ground systems and a background in systems engineering, technical and project leadership in an engineering organization or program office
• Demonstrated skills in technical program planning/scheduling, risk identification and management, program cost estimation, contractor proposal evaluation and associated tools (MS Project, MS Excel, or equivalent)
• Ability to provide systems-based engineering and technical leadership in the areas of space and ground systems applicable to legacy and enterprise level systems
• Experience in hardware and software system interactions and related technologies; real-time systems; performance analysis; systems integration issues; development methodologies (spiral, prototyping, agile, object-oriented, modeling, etc.); technology recommendations; and evaluating the impact of candidate technical approaches on all parts of a system
• Experience with commercial, and/or DoD, and/or NASA and/or NOAA space systems
• Experience with international and interagency space /ground mission systems and agencies
• Demonstrated experience in large IT implementation strategies, legacy system migration/decommissioning and ground system development/integration
• Working knowledge of space to ground systems communications
• Technical leadership in engineering studies and evaluations of proposed and existing hardware and software architectures
• Acquisition expertise
• High level working knowledge of procurement management support of moderate to large systems acquisitions
• Experience with federal acquisition policies and practices
• Communications, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and with visual media to a broad range of customers, technologists, program managers, system engineers, and senior government leadership
• Highly advanced interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers.
• Excellent technical written and oral communication skills are essential.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, 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 (MS, or PhD preferred) in Engineering/Science with focus on Satellite Ground Systems including communications, processing, storage and distribution of satellite data and information.
• Expertise/knowledge in the hardware/software lifecycle from concept of operations to end of life for satellite or ground-based systems including architecture, program management, risk assessment, and process improvement
• Professional certifications in program management and/or systems engineering with experience supporting NOAA NESDIS organizations or NASA Goddard weather satellite programs.

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)

$117,300 - $175,900Pay 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.