Senior Software Architect for Communication and Ground Modeling and Simulation

Job Summary

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 an FFRDC, we engage across all aspects of space delivery, including satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

What You'll Be Doing

• Act as a department senior liaison, providing proactive coordination and consultation to customers and Aerospace staff across the company.

• Lead software architecture design and development teams for elements of the corporation's effort to develop and modernize major software workflows for communication and ground architectures.

• Initiate and conduct efforts to grow and sustain our communication and ground modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities to support new and existing functional areas.

• Apply leadership and coordination across multi-disciplinary technical leaders, Aerospace Program Office personnel, and external customers.

• Partner with analysis leads to influence key stakeholders and customers by leading engagement efforts as we develop the company's next-generation communication and ground modeling capabilities.

• Support organizational and capability strategic planning, identifying opportunities to leverage development and analysis across diverse projects and analysis types while suggesting ways to close capability gaps.

• Engage with software end users and customers to refine capability requirements.

• Mature technical expertise in the department through mentoring team members and directing workflow development.

• Routinely communicate project progress, including recommended design solutions to technical leads, management, and customers.

• Travel as necessary to support customer efforts.

What You Need to be Successful

• Senior Engineering Specialist - Modeling & Simulation and Systems Software Engineering

• Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline from an accredited school

• 10 or more years of industry experience, with demonstrated experience leading software development teams, managing/coordinating complex technical tasks, and translating customer needs into tasks for team members

• Professional experience as a technical lead of a software project

• Professional experience in one or more of the following national security space or intelligence mission areas: communication and ground infrastructures, signals intelligence, geo-spatial intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems, or space protection

• Experience in designing modern software architectures

• Proficiency in developing software updates and understanding how they fit into the larger software structure as part of a team delivering complex projects on schedule

• Proficiency in at least one object-oriented programming language (C++, Python, Java, etc.)

• Experience managing software configuration and collaboration tools in team environments (Bitbucket, Jira, GitHub, or similar)

• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and help customers manage ambiguity

• Experience in mentoring and talent development initiatives to build technical proficiency

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presenting methods and results in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with customers, Aerospace program offices, and contractors

• Willing to travel occasionally to corporate or customer locations to support efforts as needed

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in one of the fields of study mentioned above

• Expertise in scheduling and mission management for communication and ground systems

• Expertise in modern C++ and build systems across multiple operating systems

• Experience with Aerospace customers and industry players

• Experience writing software for high performance computing clusters

• Experience writing cloud-native modeling & simulation applications

• Experience in cloud technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.)

• Experience leveraging software factories, DevSecOps, and CI/CD technologies

• Demonstrated contributions to open source or InnerSource projects

• Relevant certifications in Agile project management

• Current TS/SCI or higher security clearance

How We Reward Our Employees

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include: comprehensive health plans, paid holidays, flexible schedules, 401(k) with company-paid contributions, relocation assistance, professional growth programs, education assistance, and an inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

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, race, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you need assistance with the application process, please contact us by phone or email provided during the application. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.