Senior Ground Systems Program Manager

About Aerospace Corporation 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 engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. Position Overview Senior Ground Systems Program Manager (Senior Project Leader—Engineering Program Management) within the Mission Operations and Engineering Department of the Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) Directorate. The department provides Satellite Ground Services and Space Mission Systems Engineering to NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Production Operations (OSPO) and other NESDIS line offices. Responsibilities Lead, plan, and oversee broad-based programmatic and engineering activities across multidisciplinary teams. Advise senior government decision makers regarding acquisition strategy. Act as primary customer contact for program activities, leading discussions on cost, schedule, and technical performance. Provide technical leadership between customers and cross‑functional Aerospace technical staff. Coordinate and contribute to contract negotiations, changes, proposals, acquisition plans, and cost/benefit analysis. Define and coordinate program roadmaps, integrate master schedules, and resolve program issues related to resource allocation or contractual changes. Lead analyses and architecture/systems trade studies for future NOAA ground and space operations concepts. Recommend cost‑effective solutions for future enterprise architectures and acquisition approaches. Plan and coordinate the Design, Integration & Test of space and ground‑based solutions and associated transition to operations. Coordinate NOAA system migration activities and ensure partner mission integration at reasonable cost, mitigating risk of system obsolescence. Advise on strategic technology directions to improve system capabilities, product quality, and reduce operational costs. Act as senior mentor to team members, providing technical and programmatic guidance. Qualifications Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional engineering or scientific experience, including space and/or ground systems; background in systems engineering, technical, and project leadership. Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited technical discipline. Experience with NOAA, NASA, or commercial space systems and operations. Expert‑level knowledge of NOAA procurement processes and support of moderate to large systems acquisitions. Experience with federal acquisition policies, legacy system migration/decommissioning, and ground system development, integration, operations, maintenance, sustainment. Working knowledge of space‑to‑ground communications technologies and associated commercial solutions. Ability to provide systems‑based engineering and technical leadership for legacy and enterprise‑level systems. Demonstrated skills in hardware and software system interactions, real‑time systems, performance analysis, system integration issues, development methodologies (spiral, prototyping, agile, object‑oriented, modeling), technology recommendations, and evaluating impact of technical approaches. Excellent communication skills (verbal, visual, written) and ability to engage senior government leadership. Highly advanced interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relationships with all levels of customers. U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Pay Range Annual: $155,900.00 – $233,900.00. Benefits Comprehensive health care and wellness plans. Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation. Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options. 401(k) plan with company contributions and matching, immediate eligibility and vesting. Flexible spending accounts. Variable pay program for exceptional contributions. Relocation assistance. Professional growth and development programs. Education assistance programs. 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, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr