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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

Within CSG, the Enterprise, Science, and Technology Assessments (ESTA) Department provides technical support and performs independent studies for NASA, NSF, and NNSA. We are looking for a Systems Engineer – R&D Test Facilities (Project Engineer- Systems Engineering) to support and lead independent assessments of unique large test facilities and ground infrastructure for the space enterprise. The ESTA team advises customers in all areas of facilities management including operations, maintenance, and long-term planning. The ideal candidate will have experience in program/project management and have a strong systems engineering background. This position requires knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and/or controls equipment, typically found in industrial facilities. In addition, the candidate should be familiar with work practices and processes used in operations and maintenance.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo (CA), Crystal City (VA), or Houston (TX), offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead cross-functional teams of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to execute independent assessments, including facility condition, cost, risk, and schedule assessments.
• Advise customers in areas including asset management, risk management, equipment reliability, facility design, and program/project management.
• Integrate deep-dive analyses on topics including early concept development, trade studies, and analysis of alternatives.
• Support the development of tools, techniques, and processes to strengthen ground/facilities support.
• Summarize and present findings to both Aerospace and customer Senior Management.
• Attend and present at industry conferences.
• Manage overall scope, schedule, budget, and quality of assigned work products.
• Work with ESTA leads to scope, schedule, and cost potential studies.
• Provide support to other Aerospace customers across the Space Enterprise.

What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer- Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Science or Engineering
• At least 8 years of technical experience in one more of the following areas: Engineering, Operations, Program Management, or Project Management at a large test facility or industrial facilities such as Nuclear Power Plants, Oil & Gas Refineries, Processing Plants, etc.
• Experience leading teams and interacting with senior leadership
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and on a team to solve ambiguous problems
• Experience working across diverse teams and many engineering disciplines
• Willing to travel occasionally to Aerospace or customer site (domestically) approx. 10%
• This position may require 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(s) in Science or Engineering.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Extensive experience in cost estimating. Various levels of cost estimate classifications (ROM, conceptual, parametric, etc.)
• Deep knowledge of equipment such as pumps, valves, switchgear, transformers, PLC’s, DCS, etc.
• Experience in facility design and/or project management working on new construction or major upgrades.
• Experience conducting FMEAs, fault trees, complex troubleshooting, incident investigations, etc.
• Experience working with NASA, NSF, or NNSA facilities and infrastructure.

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 - $175,900

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.