Space Vehicle Systems Engineering Senior Project Leader with Security Clearance

About The 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 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.

About the Defense Systems Group

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy, strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction. DSG helps shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise. We maintain vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

About the Role

As a Space Vehicle Systems Engineering Senior Project Leader in the Space Domain Superiority Directorate, you will serve as the Aerospace Engineering lead technical representative to a Systems Program Manager (SPM) in the Systems Delta 89 portfolio. You will experience all phases of the space vehicle lifecycle—from procure, design, and build to integrate, test, launch, operate, and transfer—while working closely with stakeholders across the national security space enterprise. This role acts as the Aerospace Lead spokesperson for multiple technical working groups, advising the SPM and SYD/89 leadership in formulating requirements and overseeing payload development, integration, and launch activities. You will lead systems of systems working groups, shape requirements definitions, and assess mission trades to identify optimal system architecture designs. Additionally, you will mentor team members, providing technical guidance and program office insights while maintaining effective working relationships with customer leadership and other program support organizations.

Hiring Process

During the interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. The process includes a review of your qualifications and a discussion of how your experience aligns with our mission. Please note that this position requires a current and active TS/SI/TK/G/HCS security clearance issued by the U.S. government, and U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this clearance.

Our Culture and Commitment

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. We cultivate talent to ensure a strong pipeline of future leaders who operate strategically, lead change, engage with impact, foster innovation, and deliver results. 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.

We offer an inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect. 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, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.