Ground Software Senior Project Engineer

  • The Aerospace Corporation
  • El Segundo, California
  • Full Time

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 Aerospace Space Domain Superiority Directorate, in the Special Programs Division, supports a broad array of Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power missions. We cover the entire threat response chain from the Space Domain Awareness function through the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology development for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities.

You will be a Senior Project Engineer-Systems Engineering - Acquisition supporting SSCs Space Safari branch. The Space Safari program office supports the Tactically Responsive Space mission by providing rapid response results for the warfighter to address dynamic changes in the operational space environment. You will contribute to a team that is developing end-to-end solutions for the most challenging problems and implementing critical space control capabilities to guarantee space superiority for our nation. The tightly integrated team consisting of military, Aerospace, UARC, FFRDC, and SETA personnel is delivering space and ground programs on tactical timelines. You will work on site in the government program office, where you will have frequent interaction with the government and support contractors. This position allows you the opportunity to see the entire programs life cycle and have your contributions to a critical mission be realized in a very short time.

Work Model

This position is 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.

What Youll Be Doing

  • Lead the acquisition and development of the Space Safari ground architecture.
  • Track and measure ground software development.
  • Facilitate the integration of multiple satellite systems into the Space Safari ground and assist in their deployment and operation.
  • Define criteria, participate, and assess design reviews, risk assessments, and mitigation planning.
  • Manage and collaborate with contractors and other government offices and UARCs on test plans and procedures for ground integration, testing, and validation.
  • Provide technical expertise to resolve system hardware and software integration issues during development and operations.
  • Plan and assist in the transition and integration of Space Safari ground into the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power future ground architecture.
  • Coordinate with government on Memorandums of Agreement with other government offices and contracting officers on procurement of necessary systems, subsystems, and components.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
  • Develop effective working relations with government senior management.
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) and X-Labs to support system development.

What You Need to be Successful Senior Project Engineer-Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelors degree in engineering, mathematics, or related technical subject area.
  • 10 or more years of engineering experience with a focus on space systems development.
  • Experience in ground architectures and software development.
  • Experience with satellite command and control systems.
  • Exposure with agile acquisition.
  • Capability to identify and mitigate risks.
  • Current Top Secret/SCI clearance required along with the ability to obtain additional security accesses, which is issued by the US government.
  • Experience building and maintaining effective teams and developing good working interpersonal relations with multiple government partners and contractors.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills - clear, concise, and professional.
  • Ability to travel moderately.

How You Can Stand Out

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

  • Experience in spacecraft development (design, build, integration, and testing).
  • Knowledge of satellite subsystems, including payload, power, thermal, and attitude control systems.
  • Experience in Space Operations including Launch and Early Operations, nominal operations, mission operations, end of life operations.
  • Proven organizational and project leadership skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated dedication and commitment to mission.
  • Experience in the Space Control Mission Area.

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)

$151,300 - $226,900Pay 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 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 ... or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .

Job ID: 478604948
Originally Posted on: 5/27/2025

Want to find more Construction opportunities?

Check out the 174,739 verified Construction jobs on iHireConstruction