Senior AI/ML 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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The Systems Integration and Test Office (SITO), the place Aerospace goes for integration and test, is currently looking for a Senior Project Engineer in Aerospace locations supporting the National Capital Region. This position entails supporting programs executed in multiple regions, including but not limited to satellite programs, ground systems, small satellite experimentation, prototyping, and rapid acquisition; nuclear weapons design and acquisition; nuclear weapons security and non-proliferation.

The position will be managed out of SITO and tasked by the program office as a matrixed position. This will require the candidate to work collaboratively with acquisition and modernization program staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the program office. This construct links to applicant to the engineering expertise in Aerospace while directly supporting the customer.

SITO is the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) source of expertise in Systems Integration - including technology insertion, and system engineering applied to operationally realistic tests. SITO staff support all program phases from pre-contract assistance with concepts of operation, integration planning, system test planning, design and development activities followed by build, integration, verification, and transition to operations events. This position represents a significant career opportunity to grow the division tasking and be part of innovating solutions to customer challenges. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinate with Government, SETA, and contractor teams to field highly classified critical systems
• Identify opportunities, prioritize tasks, facilitate communication and act as the spokesperson to the customer for application of AI/ML to support acquisitions, develop governance, and build infrastructure that optimize the application and utility inside the government’s architecture
• Collaborate across the NRO and the Intelligence community to influence current and future investments in commercial technology and capabilities
• Lead technical staff and matrixed technical resources to address AI/ML and a broad range of acquisition and technical topics
• Develop and collect the latest in systems engineering practices, to include AI/ML, DevSecOps, Agile, and proliferated constellations.
• Establish verifiable requirements for AI/ML application to ground systems and space systems and ensure the appropriate use of test as a verification and validation technique for programs during the requirements definition phase
• Provide systems engineering and integration expertise in defining and developing a AI/ML to SIGINT mission, organizational, physical, functional, signal, hardware/software, and operational interfaces
• Provide subject matter expertise in one of the following domains: SIGINT missions, Mission Management, or Ground architecture for a large, proliferated space constellation.
• Conduct technical analysis of lifecycle acquisition programs and processes to enhance efficiencies, improve program oversight, identify improvement areas and develop AI/ML technical solutions for resolution.
• Develop technical solutions that improve Mission Assurance practices within the National SIGINT enterprise through the application of proven scientific, engineering, quality, and program management principles toward the goal of achieving mission success.
• Conduct systems studies and analyses that support technical, programmatic, and organizational decision-making on a variety of acquisition and modernization projects.
• Lead integrated teams to develop engineering assessments of acquisitions and capabilities for system lifecycle AI/ML application and utilization.
• Represent the Aerospace Corporation to senior level customers.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• BS degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences is required or an equivalent combination of training and experience 
• 8 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management
• Knowledge of AI/ML to be applied to space and space related systems
• Demonstrated ability to form and lead teams 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel 
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information 
• Some travel is required
• Ability to obtain and keep TS/SCI or Q clearance is required 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in technical discipline (AI/ML, engineering, science or math) 
• AI/ML and/or SIGINT experience
• An excellent personal technical reputation and a record of personal technical achievement
• Program office and management, FFRDC, independent review, or advisory board experience 
• Working knowledge of expertise from across the Aerospace corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations with the ability to support customer needs 
• Knowledge on AI/ML methodologies
• Current TS/SCI clearance

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.