Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

This position is for the Aerospace Science and Technology (S&T) lead (Senior Project Engineer/Project Engineer - Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering) within the Pentagon for the Science and Technology Directorate in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration (SAF/SQT). The selected candidate will serve as an on-site resource for the Government to develop strategically focused S&T process and policy implementation and as the Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer will reach across Aerospace for technical support. He/She will assist SAF/SQT with development planning activities including advising on experiments, prototypes, and the technology maturation process.

Work Model

This is a full-time position primarily located at the Pentagon offering a hybrid work model that combines on average, three regular onsite workdays and remote (telework) flexibility as the customer needs allow.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operate strategically as the lead Aerospace advisor in the Pentagon for DAF science and technology issues to ultimately shape transformational S&T for the DAF future force.
• Provide technical support to SAF/SQT for space S&T programs and initiatives. This includes providing strategic input on the applicability of S&T initiatives to broader DOD and DAF strategies and priorities.
• Mature DAF S&T policy and processes to include establishing common lexicon and aligning Service-level policies with DoD guidance
• Lead change by understanding, optimizing, and improving the Space Experiments Review Board (SERB) functions and roadmaps guiding S&T activities
• Develop metrics to assess S&T investments, progress, and activities
• Deliver results on time-sensitive staff inquiries and provide technical support in the development of position papers and official responses to Congress, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Intelligence Community (IC).
• The selected candidate must work effectively in an onsite environment with the customer and work with senior Government leaders, contractors, other government agencies, the various Aerospace program offices, and the Aerospace Engineering and Technical Group (ETG) to address issues and provide the customer with the best available technical analyses and recommendations

What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer/Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or other technical discipline
• Minimum of 6 years' experience in science and technology related fields including research, experimentation, prototyping, testing, policy and/or S&T acquisitions
• Demonstrated knowledge of science and technology processes, practices, and initiatives
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills and must be adept at oral and written communication
• Willing to travel domestically on occasion when required by the customer
• Proactive nature: self-starter; ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• This position requires a current Secret clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer/Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering include:

• Minimum of 12 years' experience in science and technology related fields including research, experimentation, prototyping, testing, policy and/or S&T acquisitions
• Possess a proven ability to work effectively with senior government, military personnel, co-located FFRDC, and SETA contractors

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or other technical discipline
• Recent experience/familiarity with the science and technology capabilities associated with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), Air Force RCO, SpaceWerx, DARPA, Intelligence Communities (IC) S&T offices/programs
• Working knowledge of Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) skills and capabilities
• Experience in briefing senior Government leaders (General Officer and/or SES)
• Possess a current TS/SCI clearance
• Possess a thorough understanding of the roles played by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; the United States Space Force, U.S. Space Command; the space system program offices; the defense agencies; the Joint Staff; and other government organizations in the acquisition, management, and operation of the national security space enterprise

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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.