The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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, youll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospaces strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Architecture Concepts Department (ArCon) provides expertise in architecture methods, processes, and tools to an extremely broad range of customers, including National Space Security (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, DHS, and others. ArCon staff participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full scale acquisition systems in the space, ground, communications, and network domains. ArCon applies disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition and operations decisions.

Work Model: This position will follow an in-person work model with a minimum of 4 days per week of onsite work required at one of Aerospaces campuses in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, or El Segundo, CA.

What Youll Be Doing

Work as a key contributor in one of ArCons flagship capabilities, the Concept Design Center (CDC) System Architecture Team (SAT), a concurrent engineering design team responsible for performing mission concept design, analysis of alternatives, and architecture-level trade studies for various government agencies.

Learn and develop human spaceflight domain expertise by working closely alongside our senior human spaceflight subject matter expert, supporting their activities and progressively taking on increasing responsibilities in this critical mission area.

Apply and develop disciplined system architecting methods, processes, and tools in a broad range of architecture-level assessment, modeling, analysis, and conceptual design activities, with particular emphasis on human spaceflight systems and missions.

Apply and develop innovative methods, processes, and tools to architect and implement model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering (DE) capabilities

Use, develop, and integrate analytical methods and tools to evaluate architectural concepts and system conceptual designs for cost, schedule, performance, risk, resilience to disruptive events or threats, and other characteristics

Inform system architecting and acquisition decisions with expertise in relevant systems, technologies, threats, policy, and the industrial base in the space and/or nuclear weapons domains

Collaborate with other Aerospace personnel to marshal technical expertise in multiple technical disciplines and domains to enable concurrent engineering approaches to address complex problems

Work with Aerospace program office, customer, and contractor personnel to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; build cross disciplinary teams; scope, plan, and execute the study; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements

Masters degree from an accredited college/university program in systems engineering, industrial engineering, aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

0 1 year of industry experience

Experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, concurrent engineering, concept design, model-based systems engineering, or digital engineering through relevant work and/or graduate school experience

Demonstrated interest in human spaceflight systems, missions, and architectures through coursework, projects, research, or personal study

Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaborators.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications.

Ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter experts

Willing to travel (domestically/internationally) approx. 10%

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Transcripts required for this position

How You Can Stand Out

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

Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products

Experience with space system architecture conceptual design, analysis, and concurrent engineering techniques

Experience with spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, nuclear weapon systems, and/or aircraft systems

Background in human factors research, human systems integration, crew operations, life support systems, or habitability analysis relevant to human spaceflight

Relevant work and/or graduate school experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, model-based systems engineering, or digital engineering

Hands-on experience with system or enterprise modeling in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM)

Knowledge of human spaceflight programs, mission architectures, and operational concepts for NASA, commercial space, or DoD human spaceflight activities

Current active TS/SCI security clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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)

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 otherthe 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 youre 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .