Space Systems Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 29, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 27, 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 adviser 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.
We seek a Space Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) for system conceptualization, implementation, and program management support to a dynamic and growing US Government customer. This space professional will engage the customer with technical concept development and operational implementation of a program portfolio, including unique, highly sensitive programs in new mission areas. In this Project Engineer role, you will be expected to show innovation and contributions to the long-term success of our mission-critical endeavors.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at a customer facility in Chantilly, VA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Serve as a technical authority and integration leader for multi-phase, multi-disciplinary space systems engineering efforts
- Promote collaboration across the Aerospace enterprise to ensure optimal integration of technical solutions
- Lead major program segments such as system-level architectural analysis, conceptual design of a new vehicle or major payload
- Create mission focused tasks for the Aerospace technical matrix, advocate for them with the Sponsor, and identify and manage the support
- Elicit requirements for space-related solutions based on broad Sponsor mission objectives
- Support the sponsor’s coordination among Intelligence Community partners, associated contractors, and development contractors
- Advise key stakeholders, including senior customer leadership and program management by providing insight into technical risks, issues, opportunities, and risk mitigation strategies
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer - Systems Engineering - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in a physical science, engineering, or relevant STEM field
- This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
- 8 or more years of relevant industry work experience in systems engineering and/or systems architecture
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct both long-term and urgent technical studies (cost, schedule, performance), with geographically dispersed teams
- Willing to travel domestically, approximately 10%
In addition to the above, the Senior Project Engineer - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering requires the following:
- 12+ years of relevant experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams addressing difficult technical problems
- At least four (4) years of developing solutions for Sponsor programs
- Ability to assemble multi-disciplinary teams and to scope work addressing ambiguous issues under time pressure
- Demonstrated ability to convey complex technical topics both orally and in writing, adapting communication style for varied audiences, and ensuring clear understanding among technical and non-technical stakeholders
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Advanced degree from an accredited program in a physical science, engineering, or relevant STEM field
- Demonstrated experience with a focus on spacecraft or ground segment design-through-disposal, collaborating with multiple space-related technical disciplines, particularly in delivering resilient space mission solutions
- Demonstrated history of successful collaboration with internal matrix support organizations, Sponsors, external mission partners, and with associated contractors
- Hands-on experience developing mission-enabling, technology-driven solutions for the Sponsor
- A history of identifying capability gaps and formulating enterprise-level technical trade studies and investment strategies.
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: 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.