Ground Systems Software Architect

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.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our IC, DoD, and civilian customers.  This is a technical leadership position that plays essential role in influencing the state of software architecture and software engineering practice. 

The Software Architecture and Engineering Department is seeking a Ground Systems Software Architect with a range of large-scale software systems expertise that includes knowledge and experience in space systems engineering, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing and mission-specific applications.   This role will include leadership of and collaboration with technical staff to develop, field and advise on innovative software-enabled ground segment solutions to meet the dynamic mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers. 

Work Model

This is a full-time 100% on site position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading software development and architecture support for backend and frontend ground systems services
• Developing architectural concepts and software engineering approaches to develop ground systems for customer programs
• Providing space mission and ground software expertise in mission planning and scheduling software; Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) systems; and flight dynamic software
• Evaluating and advising on cloud and computing infrastructure to include virtualization, containerization and edge computing
• Leveraging networking and communications technical domain experts across the company
• Leveraging cybersecurity and compliance technical domain experts across the company
• Leveraging data processing and AI/ML technical domain experts across the company
• Providing guidance and expertise in DevSecOps, and automation
• Leading and participating in conceptual and preliminary design studies and trades of ground systems, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Evaluating ground system software design and architecture concepts by participating in technology working groups, reviewing and evaluating contractor submitted and identifying and mitigating software risks
• Working with contractor, Government, Aerospace technical experts, SETAs and other FFRDC personnel
• Mentoring junior members of the department

What You Need to be Successful –

Minimum Requirements: Engineering specialist – Software Architecture Engineering and Cloud Computing Architecture

• B.S. in science, engineering, mathematics, or related discipline
• 8+ years of relevant experience in leading, developing and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• A strong knowledge of ground systems, spacecraft systems, and software systems engineering principles
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
• Demonstrated experience in developing ground systems software concepts
• Demonstrated experience with software standards, software process approaches (e.g., waterfall, agile)
• Demonstrated experience in mission control or mission processing systems for space systems, cloud computing and cybersecurity compliance
• Proficiency in simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct technical studies for geographically dispersed programs
• Occasional domestic travel
• This position requires  a secret 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 -Software Architecture Engineering and Cloud Computing Architecture

 include:

• BS degree in STEM

• 10-12 years of relevant experience in leading, developing and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Hands on knowledge  in simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience with dedicated on-premises compute hardware 
• Experience with one or more cloud service providers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle
• Experience with antenna, hardware etc. related to ground entry points
• Experience with communications and networking
• Experience with data center design and operations
• Experience with network maintenance, load balancing, data coordination
• Experience engaging with both government and contractor counterparts
• Broad experience spanning systems engineering, hardware and software development, integration and deployment including satellites, ground stations and terminals
• Experience with government acquisition processes

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.