Satellite Test 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. Job Description: The Systems Engineering Subdivision (SED) serves as one of key technical advisors to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in utilizing core systems engineering principles to aid the government in the design, creation, implementation, and integration of complex satellite systems. A key component is the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. The System Integration and Test Office (SITO) within SED ensures appropriate testing, validation, and verification principles are applied to these systems. We utilize data and analysis to summarize and recommend solutions for effective test verification and validation. SITO is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within all the major Intelligence, Civil, and DoD agencies. This position requires a 1-year commitment to supporting the Program Office and 100% in-person work in Chantilly, VA. Responsibilities: An essential element of determining space readiness is testing the whole system: satellite, and ground. As a test and evaluation engineer, you will have the opportunity to design test plans for both space and ground systems. You will devise tests that mimic operationally realistic scenarios, monitor system progress through test procedures, and assess whether systems are ready for launch. You will help develop tests for the insertion of new technologies or integration of systems into larger space architectures. Your work will be essential to verifying that military systems work as expected from both a technical and mission perspective. What You’ll Be Doing Provide systems engineering and integration expertise for space missions. Missions may include missile warning, communications, weather, position/navigation, space domain awareness, launch, or others. Support programs through developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) and operational test and evaluation (OT&E). Understanding and assessing the full technical design being developed by the bus provider. Shepherding program office and ETG subject matter experts through definition, planning, and execution of AI&T activities Applying tailored mission assurance practices to identify high risk areas of the program. Leading non-conformance, anomaly, and major technical issue response teams Developing and maintaining strong, effective working relationships with customers, SETA personnel, and contractor counterparts Evaluate performance, execution risks, and make comprehensive recommendations to the Government. Review, evaluate, and assess program requirements, documents, plans, and other related artifacts for accuracy and consistency and compliance with Enterprise documentation. Coordinate with customer and other government entities for the integration of new and/or modified data types Assist the program office with preparation and coordination of delivery orders, task orders, requirements documents, briefings, and performance statements, as applicable. Monitor and track test events related to future software deliveries at factory and site. Review and evaluate the completeness of test plans and other test-related documentation and provide feedback to Government and the development contractors. Create, review, and track requests for services associated with division programs during enterprise test events. Develop, coordinate, and track baseline change requests for division programs during enterprise test events. What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or mathematics Excellent verbal communication skills - clear, concise, persuasive; builds consensus through speaking. Ability to work within a team environment, where the team is distributed across multiple Organizations, Projects, and Programs. A minimum of 12 years of experience in progressively more responsible engineering roles. Experience with Radar Systems. Environmental testing Willing to support occasional travel. This position requires a current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which are issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. Preferred Advanced degree in science, engineering, or mathematics Mission domain knowledge Familiarity and knowledge of both SSC and NRO customers and their command media Current TS/SCI clearance How You Can Stand Out Commercial or industry experience with spacecraft (bus and payload) production. Strong knowledge of and first-hand experience with AI&T on spacecraft programs. Experience with spacecraft bus, subsystem, and unit design, analysis, development, testing, and sell-off. Experience with adapting mission assurance practices to align with program risk tolerance. Ability to apply creative solutions to a non-traditional program within contractual constraints. 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. Right Place The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a diverse and inclusive workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges. Right Path Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development. Right Purpose We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it. Return to the Aerospace Careers site. Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.