Lead Communications Systems Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation in Westfield, VA

Job description

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. As the Lead Communications Systems Engineer (Senior Project Leader - Communications Systems and Payload Systems Engineering - RF ) for the Government’s Space Systems Group (SSG) you will lead Aerospace’s technical efforts in support of various high priority communication technology projects for our customer and shape the future of space communications, in the Transport Engineering Division (TED) supporting the SSG Chief Engineer. You will focus on communications architecture definition, development acquisitions, system level requirements, and various related studies and demonstrations. You will serve as leader of a high performing technical team, which includes advanced and junior level technical and project specialists. This position is 100% on-site based in Chantilly, VA. What You’ll Be Doing Serve as a technical representative to the customer, leading and evaluating communications architecture concepts with Engineering Technology Group subject matter experts Leading various technical teams evaluating acquisition system requirements, technical specifications, and associated risk. Facilitate technical and programmatic ideas, issues, concerns across the organization within SSG. Be a technical contributor to on orbit vehicle study and enterprise impacts Quickly assess risk, schedule, and cost mission assurance trades to enable responsive delivery of space capabilities, while meeting schedule and cost goals. Assist in the execution of program office systems engineering and acquisition processes. What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements Sr. Project Leader - Communications Systems and Payload Systems Engineering – RF: Bachelors or Advanced degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution or a closely related STEM field. 12 or more years of escalating responsibilities in professional engineering/scientific experience working across government programs A track record demonstrating space systems engineering skills including the ability to understand, explain, and present to the customer how specific issues are connected to the broader program. Significant experience with satellite communication hardware and/or digital/analog waveform processing. Experience in leading cross-organizational technical efforts incorporating exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative. Experience monitoring and assisting in development of budgets, resource allocations, and initiating acquisition of technical support from appropriate corporate resources. Exhibited ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in multi-disciplinary teams that include colleagues, government, and contractor personnel. Demonstration of excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to develop technical materials and present to key stakeholders and senior leaders Proven ability to act as senior mentor to team members, providing technical guidance and development insight. Ability to travel to contractor and vendor facilities as required. This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI and SSBI clearance with