Senior Systems Engineer

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. 

Within NSG, the National Geospatial Programs (NGP) GEOINT Integration Ground Architecture and Acquisitions (GIGAA) team spearheads Aerospace's efforts in a program office modernizing the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) ground enterprise. As a Senior Systems Engineering (Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineer – Acquisition and Systems Engineering) on this team, you will directly shape Air Force, DoW and IC ground architectures while driving innovation in resilient solutions that enhance performance and mitigate risk for end-to-end warfighter capabilities.

The selected candidate will be required to work part-time, on-site at Langley, AFB; Hampton, Virginia.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead Analysis of Alternatives (AoAs), comprehensive studies and pilots that deliver critical insights to guide government decision-making on technical solutions and program direction.
• Design and implement ISR data management and governance strategies within data-driven architectures that drive efficiency, scalability, performance, and mission-critical decision-making.
• Optimize ISR data workflows and mission threads by leveraging Automation, Augmentation, and Artificial Intelligence (AAA) capabilities.
• Architect and assess end-to-end system solutions, including technical architectures and ontologies, to maximize interoperability and optimize data ingest, processing, storage, and dissemination.
• Lead acquisition processes that modernize the ISR enterprise through strategic implementation of automation, augmentation, and AI technologies.
• Provide expert technical review and recommendations on IC and DoD standards, specifications, and policy documents governing data management and AI implementation.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in data management and governance forums, working groups, and collaborative venues across the Intelligence Community.
• Define, develop, and analyze requirements to ensure alignment with mission objectives and technical feasibility.
• Author technical documentation establishing principles, concepts, and best practices for data-driven architecture design and development.
• Monitor emerging technology trends and analytical techniques, maintaining currency on innovations relevant to warfighter systems and ISR capabilities.
• Conduct rigorous testing and analysis to identify system anomalies, assess vulnerabilities, and quantify operational risk.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including engineers, warfighters, and mission partners—to integrate data-driven insights into experiments, pilots, proof-of-concepts, and operational systems.
• Deliver clear, concise technical reports and executive-level presentations that communicate findings, insights, and actionable recommendations.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Project Engineer-Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM areas.
• Ten years of experience in one or more of the following: data management, data engineering, data analytics, systems engineering, or related field.
• Experience implementing data standards, best practices, technical specifications and Data Reference Architecture principles into architecture design, system design and capability development.
• Experience understanding semantic concepts that enable system interoperability.
• Experience with performing risk assessments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a strong analytical mindset.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Willing to travel domestically approx. 10%. The position may require occasional travel to Chantilly, VA for customer meetings.
• 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Computer Science or Systems Engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to apply Design of Experiment principles to concepts.
• Understanding of Air Combat Command (ACC)/A2 priorities.

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)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

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:

• 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.