Space Network Systems Engineer
First seen by Alion on Oct 20, 2026. The Aerospace Corporation scores B on the Alion truth index.
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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
As a Space Network Systems Engineer for the Government’s Space Systems Group (SSG) you will lead Aerospace’s technical efforts in support of various high-priority communication technology projects for our customer and shape the future of space communications, in the Strategic Planning Division (SPD). You will focus on terrestrial & space network communications systems engineering, development acquisitions, system level requirements, and various related studies and demonstrations. You will serve as key contributor of a high performing technical team, which includes advanced and junior level technical and project specialists.
This is a full-time on-site position based in Chantilly, VA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Serve as a technical representative to the customer, leading and evaluating communications architecture concepts with Engineering Technology Group subject matter experts
- Leading various technical teams in defining and evaluating Software Defined - Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) implementations for space data transport
- Defining SD-WAN interfaces and standards in support of key space data transport architectures for the government
- Be a key technical contributor to on-orbit data transport studies and enterprise impacts
- Assist in the execution of program office systems engineering and acquisition processes.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements Sr. Project Engineer - Communications Systems and Firmware Engineering:
- Bachelors or Advanced degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution or a closely related STEM field.
- 12 or more years of escalating responsibilities in professional engineering/scientific experience working across government programs (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD).
- A track record demonstrating space systems engineering skills including the ability to understand, explain, and present to the customer how specific issues are connected to the broader program.
- Significant experience with SD-WAN architectures and current Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) / IP routing technologies
- Experience in leading cross-organizational technical efforts incorporating exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative.
- Exhibited ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in multi-disciplinary teams that include colleagues, government, and contractor personnel.
- Demonstration of excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to develop technical materials and present to key stakeholders and senior leaders; writing sample and presentation required.
- Ability to travel to contractor and vendor facilities as required.
- This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and the ability to obtain a polygraph, which is issued by the US 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:
- Previous work experience with the Defense Information Services Agency (DISA)
- Knowledge of Risk Management Framework (RMF) and ZeroTrust best practices
- Demonstrated communication architecture modeling and simulation analysis experience.
- Have documented system level requirements for communication systems.
- Working knowledge of DoW/NRO acquisition processes and organizations.
- Familiarity with Aerospace culture and prior experience coordinating with Engineering & Technology Group (ETG).
- Advanced technical degree in engineering, science, physics, or related field.
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)
$166,400.00 - $249,600.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership 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 opportunityemployer. 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.