Senior Project Lead - Space Vehicle Acquisition and Design

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.

Directorate E provides on-site support within a government program office in the oversight and management of a complex new national security satellite system. Within Directorate E, Aerospace provides acquisition, mission assurance, analytic, and systems engineering support. The Future Capabilities team supports the Chief Architect and Chief Engineer of a Directorate of a major customer in the National Security Space portfolio. This requisition is seeking a Senior Project Leader that will support the Chief Architect customer, providing technical guidance on the development of new prototype and operational spacecraft concepts, system modeling, cost estimation, acquisition planning, and Phase A execution of satellite design activities. Involvement in other activities, such as payload studies and enhancements, is also possible. In this role, you will have the opportunity to impact the direction of this National Security Space portfolio by advising the customer on the advancement of critical technologies, the ground and communications enterprise, and the effective use of autonomy and machine learning.

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Independently perform and lead Aerospace teams assessing satellite system acquisition planning activities, including budgets, schedules, concept-of-operations, requirements development, and milestone entry/exit criteria.
- Lead and advise matrixed cross-functional teams on spacecraft design trades across multiple satellite concepts.
- Perform and lead technical evaluation of contractor proposals, program plans, and contract deliverables in collaboration with acquisition teams.
- Identify and execute studies on behalf of the customer on the development and execution of spacecraft acquisition plans to include BAAs, study efforts, and development contracts.
- Assess program office acquisition and systems engineering processes, identify gaps, and lead teams to optimize these activities.
- Represent and advise the program office as senior technical authority in systems engineering and acquisition forums.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to program office acquisition planning teams.
- Identify, task, and manage appropriate ETG subject matter experts.
- Lead assessment of performance, cost, and schedule constraints; collaborate with program teams to develop risk mitigation strategies.
- Senior mentor to other team members in areas of spacecraft design, government acquisitions, and systems engineering.
- Collaborate daily with mid- and senior-level government officials, SETA, and contractor personnel to drive program success as part of a small team in a fast-paced environment.
- Occasional travel, up to 10% of the time.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Sr. Project Leader – Multi-Disciplinary Engineering

- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.
- 12 or more years of relevant experience after bachelor’s degree, at least 8 of which involve spacecraft acquisition and systems engineering.
- Experience in research and development of new technologies for space systems, such as microelectronics, optical sensors, or RF systems.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team consisting of customer, contractor, Aerospace, and SETA personnel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft design, development, and execution.
- Experience conducting engineering design trades across space systems design at the spacecraft, system, and architecture levels.
- Experience developing and managing requirements and interfaces for an acquisition program.
- Extensive experience in technical project management, scoping projects and leveraging inter-disciplinary teams.
- This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. 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:

- Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.
- Degree or advanced training in Acquisition and/or Program management
- Direct experience with government or commercial space systems.
- Working knowledge of NRO acquisition policies and processes.
- Familiarity with Government and Aerospace Mission Assurance standards and processes.
- Previous experience with one or more NRO program offices.

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)
$155,900.00 - $233,900.00

Pay 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:

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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

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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

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Flexible spending accounts

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Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

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Relocation assistance

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Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

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Education assistance programs

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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.