Space Network Design and Optimization Specialist

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 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 Enterprise Design and Optimization Department (SEDOD) is in EED's Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS). We bring to bear expertise in a wide variety of fields to tackle tough problems and explore novel ideas, directly impacting the future of the space enterprise. We primarily focus on the performance modeling, analysis, and optimization of orbits, mission architectures, and acquisition portfolios. We are searching for someone to join a team of engineers, mathematicians, and scientists and grow our department of highly skilled technical specialists. Join us today and become a part of a culture that promotes innovation, growth, and technical excellence!
As part of SEDOD and EDS, an Engineering Specialist / Senior Engineering Specialist (Engineering Integration - Modeling and Simulation Engineering) will employ and develop sophisticated simulation tools to perform space and ground design, optimization, and analysis in support of architecture concept trade studies, requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and performance modeling. They will act as a technical expert for a portfolio of high-impact projects, in addition to working on teams and collaborating with other analysts to expand their domain knowledge.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based at one of the major Aerospace sites including Chantilly, VA, El Segundo, CA, and Colorado Springs, CO; offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 4 regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Serving as key technical expert and point of contact for department projects in the area of space network design and optimization, space architecture design and optimization, and orbital analysis

• Leveraging in-house and commercial- and government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools to deliver technical insights through analytical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in department focus areas

• Contributing to efforts expanding department optimization capabilities to support a broader set of mission domains and architectures

• Developing and presenting timely and technically-accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers

• Building and maintaining a strong base of customers and collaborators for the department through effective working relationships with cross-organization partners, government customers, and contractor teammates

• Supporting department growth by technical mentoring of junior staff members in one or more department capability areas

• Occasional travel to support customer efforts

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist

• B.S. degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering

• 6 or more years of relevant and progressive professional or academic experience

• Expertise in one or more of the following: optimization techniques, space network design, graph theory, orbital mechanics, or mathematics related to satellite access geometry

• Experience with modeling and simulation tools in support of architecture assessment, analysis of alternatives, constellation design and optimization, orbital analysis, network design, or space security and defense

• Significant history of consistent contribution to multiple substantial technical analytical or development projects through their successful fruition

• A history that shows personal accountability, a willingness to learn and self-correct, and an ability to adapt to changing customer expectations

• Knowledge of Python, C, C++, Matlab, or another programming language

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist include:

• 10 or more years of relevant and progressive professional or academic experience

• Extensive knowledge in optimization techniques, genetic algorithms, space network design, graph theory, orbital mechanics, space satellite constellation performance modeling and/or mathematics related to satellite access geometry

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• A graduate degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering

• Work history in one of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: geo-spatial intelligence, signals intelligence, space surveillance, space protection, or satellite communication networks supporting defense or intelligence capabilities

• Extensive knowledge of Intelligence Community or U.S. Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios

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)
$117,300 - $226,900
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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.