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.
Are you passionate about space operations and national security Do you want to work on cutting-edge challenges that protect our nation's space assets Join The Aerospace Corporation's Enterprise Effects Division (EED), where innovation meets mission impact.
Our division tackles the most pressing challenges in space operations-from emerging threats to satellite systems to next-generation space domain awareness capabilities. We're looking for talented professionals who are ready to make a difference in space security, whether you're transitioning from military service, coming from industry, or seeking to apply your technical skills to real-world operational challenges.
The Space Control and Awareness Department (SCAD) supports critical national security space missions through systems engineering, architecture analysis, modeling and simulation, and operational support. Our work spans electronic warfare (EW), directed energy (DE) effects, space domain awareness (SDA), advanced sensor systems, orbit determination, and space protection.
Space Object Risk Department (SORD) supports critical national security space missions through systems engineering, architecture analysis, modeling and simulation, and operational support. Our work spans debris and reentry risk assessments, launch support, flight safety through collision avoidance and electromagnetic interference, space domain awareness (SDA) and satellite cataloguing and maintenance, and orbit determination
Work Model: This full-time position is based on a hybrid work model, requiring on-site presence at facilities in El Segundo CA, Colorado Springs CO, Chantilly VA, or Albuquerque NM for at least 4 days per week, subject to business needs.
What You'll Be Doing:
Assess Space Threats & Resilience: Evaluate risks to satellite operations from interference, optical threats, debris, collisions, and counterspace activities
Support Space Control Operations: Contribute to electronic warfare, orbital warfare, and directed energy mission planning and analysis
Model & Simulate: Use cutting-edge tools (custom, commercial, and government systems) to analyze complex space scenarios.
Analyze Sensor Systems: Evaluate electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), radar, and passive RF sensor concepts and architectures.
Advise key stakeholders and government customers: Perform analyses related to orbit determination, target tracking, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) analysis, and signal integrity.
Support Exercises & Wargaming: Participate in operational simulations that shape future space strategies
Lead & Mentor: Provide technical leadership on modeling and simulation efforts while guiding early-career engineers
Collaborate Across the Enterprise: Work with government customers, program offices, and technical teams across Colorado Springs, El Segundo (CA), Chantilly (VA), and beyond
What You Need To Be Successful:
Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist
Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field
A minimum of 6 years of engineering or aerospace experience
Experience with modeling, simulation, and/or algorithm development
Applicable skills in designing and building filtering algorithms for Orbit Determination and PNT operations.
Experience with satellite operations and/or modelling and simulation of operational risk to satellites
Proficiency in at least one programming language: Python, MATLAB, C++, Java, C, or FORTRAN
Experience organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute projects or studies
Exceptional interpersonal verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to support periodic travel within the continental United States
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Sr. Engineering Specialist include:
Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Astronomy, or related field, OR
Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience
Experience with DoD and/or IC systems design and space mission architectures
Proven ability to collaborate with discipline experts to develop technical positions, provide risk assessments, and formulate courses of action
Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative on-site work environment
How You Can Stand Out
Master's and/or Ph.D. in engineering, science, or a related technical field
Active TS/SCI clearance (highly desired)
Military or operational background: Experience as an orbit analyst, space control operator, intelligence analyst, or battle manager (air, maritime, or missile defense domains)
Sensor operations experience: Familiarity with Space Surveillance Network (SSN) sensors or other space surveillance systems, such as intelligence sensors
Orbit Determination, filtering, PNT analyses, and sensor tracking.
Command & control (C2) background
EO/IR sensor expertise or active/passive RF collection modeling
Systems engineering or architecture development experience
Collision avoidance and debris risk modelling experience
Electromagnetic interference: familiarity with electromagnetic interference related to spacecraft or launch vehicles
SDA catalog experience: Demonstrated experience in development and analysis related to space object cataloguing
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)
$117,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay 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 ba
