Senior Systems Engineer - DoD Advisor

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 Defense Systems Operations Group has an opening for a highly motivated Senior Systems Engineer DoD Advisor to support the Undersecretary of Defense (OUSD) for Research and Engineering (R&E) in the Systems Engineering & Architecture (SE&A) directorate. As part of this team, you will be ultimately responsible for crafting enterprise-level system of systems architectures for joint capabilities. The diverse charter and goals will provide the motivated applicant considerable opportunity for the acquisition of new knowledge, skills, and participating as a key member of team responsible for making a difference and changing the Department's future.

Telecommuting for this position could be up to 50%. Must be available for in-person attendance at meetings and workshops within the Pentagon reservation.

What You'll Be Doing

• Apply engineering expertise to inform risk-based decisions and support development of joint and DOD system-of-systems architectures
• Participate in Government Engineering Review Boards (ERBs) at the enterprise and portfolio-levels
• Support policy, guidance, and standard development. Initiate and facilitate communities of practice.
• Use sound engineering practices to define system context, boundaries in interfaces and interactions, key data elements, and key data conversions to facilitate data sharing, communications, and decision making within DOD architectures
• Identify, coordinate, and communicate requirements, functional threads, and interfaces for incorporation into enterprise level system architectures
• Apply digital engineering techniques and sound principles towards excellent outcomes
• Use technical and analytical skills to focus on developing and delivering practices, technical assessments, and tools to support the DoD mission by ensuring current and future forces are operationally ready with enterprise-level system of systems architectures for joint capabilities

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or other technical subject area with knowledge of system-of-systems architecture
• 10 or more years of progressively responsible related experience in a technical field and/or program management
• Proven capability to work in a Program Office environment with a mix of civil service, military, FFRDC, and SETA contract personnel
• An understanding of the roles played by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense and Pentagon leadership
• Possess outstanding interpersonal skills and must be adept at oral and written communication
• Proactive nature: self-starter; ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Willing to travel domestically on occasion when required by the customer
• Active DoD Collateral SECRET clearance or higher and eligibility for TS/SCI and Special Access Programs, which are issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have two or more of the following:

• 15 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering and policy experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program oversight environment
• Proven prior experience dealing with senior leadership within the Department of Defense
• Advanced degree from an accredited program in science, engineering, mathematics, or another relevant subject
• Previous experience in the Pentagon reservation
• Have a current TS/SCI clearance

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.