Mission Protection 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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.  

The Space Control and Awareness Department (SCAD) is seeking a new team member to support space mission analyses and operations.  SCAD performs concept development, systems engineering, architecture analysis, algorithm development and evaluation support for national security space and government customers emphasizing radar, electro-optical (EO), radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) sensors, orbit determination, positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), command and control missions, electronic warfare (EW), directed energy (DE), nuclear weapon effects, space domain awareness (SDA), and space protection and security.  

Work Model: This is a full time position located in Colorado Springs, CO 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Perform space protection and space/mission threat susceptibility, vulnerability analysis and resiliency assessments over a broad range of counterspace threats including electronic warfare (EW), directed energy (DE) and nuclear 

• Working with a broad range of DoD, national and civil space customers 

• Conduct a range of analysis using a framework of modeling, simulation and analysis capabilities including in-house, custom and commercially available/government provided modeling tools  

• Act as senior technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or team leader. May lead or organize interfaces between customers' and Aerospace technical and management staff. Coordinates large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines. Mentors less experienced MTS and serves as role model. 

• Independently conducts long-range technical studies and reports findings. Initiates studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions within area of expertise. 

• Provide astrodynamic analytical support, algorithm development, systems engineering and architecting, and modeling and simulation analysis for space systems and missions. 

• Analyze EO, IR, radar and passive radio frequency sensor concepts, architectures, and algorithms. 

• Support exercises of space systems and evaluate exercise and training requirements. 

• Application of modeling and simulation for mission operations 

• Become proficient in the areas of Space Control SDA, Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2), space control, orbit determination 

• Provide independent assessments and lead studies with teams of analysts. 

What you need to be successful 

Minimum Requirements 

• 2 years of applicable aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or another related technical discipline 

• Experience working with DoD, national and civil space customers 

• Space protection and space/mission threat susceptibility, vulnerability analysis and resiliency assessment Experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis and/or algorithm development 

• Software development experience and proven capabilities in at least one the following programming languages; Java, C++, Python, MATLAB, C, or FORTRAN 

• Good interpersonal communication skills along with the ability to work independently and interact effectively with Aerospace and contractor personnel 

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How you can stand out 

• Four years of applicable aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics experience 

• Advanced technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or another related technical discipline 

• Familiarity and analytical experience with directed energy and RF interference (RFI) threat mitigation concepts for EO and IR sensor and sensor concepts  

• Experience in researching, developing, and applying advanced and innovative techniques for algorithm development for directed energy and RFI threat detection and reporting 

• Background in modeling of EO and RF sensor systems. Experience with satellite systems and orbital mechanics 

• Background in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence applied to space systems data problems 

• Current or previous TS/SCI clearance   

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 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.