Lifecycle Systems 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.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.


The Acquisition Planning and Decision Analytics (APDA) Department is seeking a Senior Acquisition and Systems Engineer to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of acquisition and systems engineering professionals. This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers in the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. APDA applies deep technical expertise and experience to deliver pre-acquisition and systems engineering planning expertise and products to form a sound basis for space, ground, and launch system program acquisition lifecycle activities.


Work Model: This full-time position will be located onsite in any of Aerospace's campus locations (El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA).


What You'll Be Doing

• Provide systems engineering and acquisition support for National Security Space, civil, and commercial customers with emphasis on providing a sound basis for system acquisition and operational activities.

• Create and review acquisition documentation such as RFPs, CDRLs, PWSs, SOOs, and SOWs.

• Form and lead teams with an emphasis on requirements engineering and analysis to support Aerospace program offices and customers during early acquisition activities.

• Participate in requirements development and management activities, including developing TRDs and analyzing requirements. Gather, analyze, and document requirements from stakeholders using interviews, workshops, and document analysis.

• Lead and support Lifecycle Technical Reviews, Audits, and Milestones

• Guide requirements traceability and management concepts for program offices. Support maintenance of the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) to include updates and approach to ensure requirements are testable and aligned with mission goals.

• Mentor staff in support of lifecycle acquisition and systems engineering.

• Evaluate opportunities to implement Digital Engineering concepts to streamline lifecycle engineering process and capabilities.

• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams for the development and/or evaluation of ground and space system requirements, design and architecture concepts.

• Perform independent assessments in support of acquisition milestone events, including identification and assessment of technical risks and development of pre-acquisition design concepts that will drive new systems.

• Participate in a broad range of acquisition related activities, including Government source selections, preparing reports, developing briefings, and presenting recommendations to customers and Aerospace management.

• Participate in frequent interactions with Aerospace program office, customers, contractors and Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) personnel.

What You Need to be Successful


Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field is required (Master's preferred).

• Minimum of 10-15+ years of related experience .

• Experience with requirements and verification (including requirement engineering, requirements management, and/or verification).

• A solid understanding of DoD compliance to include DoD 5000.02, Agile Software Development, and DevSecOps

• Demonstrated experience in supporting project planning, requirements definition, space and ground systems, and program reviews

• Experience in developing or assessing acquisition strategies and analyses affecting acquisition-related decisions

• A strong technical background and a clearly demonstrated expertise with the following programming languages, applications/tools: SysML, Cameo, DOORS, Jira, Confluence, and Agile Development (SAFe/Scrum)

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

• Demonstrated ability to initiate/complete tasks, lead technical efforts and interact effectively with a broad range of organizations

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to effectively work with all levels of customers, coworkers and contractors are required

• Ability to be flexible, adaptable and able to manage multiple simultaneous tasks, including occasional business travel

• Current TS /SCI Clearance

How You Can Stand Out


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

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in Engineering or STEM related field.

• Experience applying MBSE concepts in a Systems Engineering role.

• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.

• Knowledge of government (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA) acquisition and systems engineering policies and practices, space systems, and advanced space technologies.

• Familiarity with systems engineering and acquisition concepts.

• Recognition as a subject matter expert through publications, presentations, or contributions to the professional community.

• Certification in acquisition and/or contracts management recognized professional societies (e.g., INCOSE, DAU, NCMA, PMI).

• Current DoD TS and/or SSBI/SCI Clearance.

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)
$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.