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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Nuclear Operations Directorate seeking a Sr. NC3 Systems Engineer supporting the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) Nuclear Command, Control & Communications (NC3) Portfolio Acquisition Executive Officer and Integration Directorate (AFNWC/NC) on current and future communications systems. AFNWC is responsible for Air Force acquisition of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, Long Range Stand-Off, nuclear weapons, and NC3. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at one of our facilities at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA; Crystal City or Chantilly, VA; El Segundo, CA, or Offut Air Force Base, NE.

What You Will Be Doing

• Capability to work independently in providing communications systems engineering expertise to AFNWC staff and leadership at Hanscom AFB
• Engage with senior AFNWC leadership up to SES-level Portfolio Acquisition Executive
• Primary internal interface for reach-back activities to the Engineering Technical Group (ETG) workforce located in El Segundo, CA and at other Aerospace locations as required
• Provide support to development, evaluation, and validation of system level requirements
• Build bridges across a diverse customer set to achieve enterprise integration and efficiency, i.e. AFNWC/NC, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), AFNWC/NI (Sentinel and Minuteman III Program Offices)
• Coordinate tasks and participate in technical interchange and working group meetings along with leading design review support to the AFNWC staff
• Present technical and project status briefings to management and customers
• Provide mission assurance to the program helping assure the Aerospace team is applying expertise to the appropriate aspects of the program
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to capture findings, and provide technical assessments and guidance to the customer
• Build proactive relationships as a liaison for The Aerospace Corporation to Air Force and contractor/FFRDC personnel supporting the NC3 enterprise
• This position requires approximately 20% travel; travel partially predicated on availability of secure voice/video communications.
• Potential to broaden experience by providing support to other Nuclear Operations Division critical programs based on skill set (e.g. Sentinel)

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer – Systems Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a STEM field.
• 12 or more years of industry or USAF experience
• Familiarity with technical disciplines relevant to Nuclear Command, Control & Communications (terrestrial networks; line-of-sight, beyond line-of-sight and space-based communications systems; nuclear hardness & survivability, EMP effects)
• National Military Command System enterprise architecture, digital engineering, open standards application, and enterprise mission analysis
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 20%
• This position requires an active Top-Secret clearance with SCI access with ability to obtain SAP accesses, 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:

• Masters or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in STEM field
• Active Top Secret clearance and willingness to maintain
• Experience in working with the government and contractor
• Experience in working on network architecture, satellite communications system terminals, cybersecurity, cryptographic technology, modeling and simulation

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)

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 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 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 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.