Ground Systems Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Ground Systems Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering)
Company: The Aerospace Corporation
Location: Kirtland AFB, New Mexico
Job Type: On-site, Full-Time
Category: Systems Engineering, Space Systems
Date Posted: April 7, 2025

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Develop and integrate critical ground systems for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO), ensuring operationally dominant space capabilities are delivered at the speed of warfighting relevance.
Key Skills: Systems Engineering, Program Management, Technical Support, Command and Control Services, Risk Management, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Team Collaboration, Mission Assurance, Ground System Design, Cloud Environment, Integration Efforts, Satellite Operations, Acquisition Oversight, Dynamic Program Office Experience, Technical Presentation.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

1. Coordinate with Government, SETA, and Contractor Teams: Collaborate with various teams to field a critical ground system, supporting program reviews, design, development, test, and transition to operations efforts.
2. Understand and Implement Requirements: Ensure requirements for ground system design, mission concept of operations, prototype and test, initial flight checkout, flight operations, and operational transition support are met.
3. Provide Mission Assurance: Assist with ground architecture development and integration efforts in a commercial cloud environment, identifying risk areas and mitigation efforts to meet mission objectives.
4. Work Closely with Program Manager: Interface with the Program Manager (O-5) and present status updates to Senior Material Leaders (O-6) and Space SpRCO Director (SES-2).
5. Interface with Multiple Government Agencies: Collaborate with various government agencies to provide capability to the warfighter.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves working in a highly dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel, requiring excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A BS degree in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or a related STEM field is required.

Experience: 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management, with space experience (satellite ground development and operations) and a current TS/SCI security clearance.

Required Skills:

Systems Engineering
Program Management
Technical Support
Command and Control Services
Risk Management
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Mission Assurance
Ground System Design
Cloud Environment
Integration Efforts
Satellite Operations
Acquisition Oversight
Dynamic Program Office Experience
Technical Presentation

Preferred Skills:

Advanced degree in technical discipline (engineering, science, or math)
Extensive satellite operations experience
Extensive satellite design/integration Systems Engineering experience
Systems Engineering experience with rapid operational systems
An excellent personal technical reputation and a record of personal technical achievement
Program office and management experience
Working knowledge of expertise from across the Aerospace corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations with the ability to support customer needs

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in satellite ground system development and/or testing.
Showcase technical expertise in systems engineering, with a focus on satellite ground system design and integration.
Highlight risk management and mitigation strategies in mission-critical projects.
Present successful collaboration with diverse teams, including government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of technical documentation, including system requirements, design documents, and test plans.
Demonstrate understanding of mission concept of operations, prototype and test, initial flight checkout, flight operations, and operational transition support.
Showcase experience with command and control services and integration efforts in a commercial cloud environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will emphasize the candidate's ability to work in a dynamic environment, manage risks, and collaborate with diverse teams to deliver operationally dominant space capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The Aerospace Corporation offers competitive salaries, with an estimated range of $120,000 to $160,000 per year for this role, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

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

Working Hours: Full-time position with a standard 40-hour workweek, with additional hours as needed to support mission requirements and deadlines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Aerospace Corporation operates as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), providing analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction for national security space (NSS) enterprise customers.

Company Size: Medium-sized organization with a strong focus on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

Founded: 1960, with a rich history in supporting the nation's space programs and solving the hardest problems in the space domain.

Team Structure:

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders, with a unique structure that maintains vertical responsibilities with customers and horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.
The Space Rapid Capabilities Directorate within the Agile Acquisition Division supports the development and fielding of highly classified critical space capabilities for the space enterprise.

Development Methodology:

Agile methodologies, with a focus on rapid development and delivery of operationally dominant space capabilities.
Collaborative environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel, emphasizing teamwork and cross-functional integration.

Company Website: The Aerospace Corporation

📝 Enhancement Note: The Aerospace Corporation's culture emphasizes innovation, technical excellence, and a commitment to solving the hardest problems in the space domain, with a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering, responsible for leading technical projects, managing risks, and delivering operationally dominant space capabilities.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Program Manager (O-5) and interfaces with Senior Material Leaders (O-6) and the Space SpRCO Director (SES-2).

Technical Impact: The Ground Systems Engineer has a significant impact on the development and integration of critical ground systems, ensuring operationally dominant space capabilities are delivered at the speed of warfighting relevance.

Growth Opportunities:

1. Technical Leadership: Develop expertise in satellite ground system design, integration, and operations, with the potential to lead technical teams and define system architectures.
2. Program Management: Gain experience in program management, with the opportunity to advance to leadership roles within the Defense Systems Group (DSG) or other divisions within the corporation.
3. Strategic Planning: Contribute to strategic planning efforts, shaping the future of the national security space (NSS) enterprise and influencing policy and strategy decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Aerospace Corporation offers numerous growth opportunities for talented individuals looking to advance their careers in the space domain, with a strong emphasis on technical leadership, program management, and strategic planning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative workspace that fosters teamwork and cross-functional integration between government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel.

Office Location(s): Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, with additional offices and facilities across the United States.

Workspace Context:

1. Collaborative Workspace: The Aerospace Corporation's workspace encourages collaboration, with open office spaces, conference rooms, and breakout areas designed to facilitate teamwork and communication.
2. Technical Tools and Resources: Access to state-of-the-art tools, software, and resources to support satellite ground system development, testing, and operations.
3. Knowledge Sharing and Technical Mentoring: A culture of knowledge sharing and technical mentoring, with opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to the development of junior team members.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with a standard 40-hour workweek, with additional hours as needed to support mission requirements and deadlines. Flexible work arrangements may be available for specific roles and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Aerospace Corporation's work environment emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and knowledge sharing, with a strong focus on delivering operationally dominant space capabilities for the nation's space programs.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen: A brief phone conversation to assess communication skills, technical proficiency, and cultural fit.
2. Technical Interview: A deep dive into the candidate's technical skills, with a focus on systems engineering, satellite ground system design and integration, risk management, and mission assurance.
3. On-Site Interview: An on-site interview with the Program Manager (O-5), Senior Material Leaders (O-6), and other key stakeholders, focusing on leadership skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
4. Final Evaluation: A final evaluation of the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

1. Tailor Your Portfolio: Highlight your experience in satellite ground system development, testing, and operations, with a focus on the specific requirements of this role.
2. Showcase Technical Expertise: Demonstrate your understanding of systems engineering principles, risk management strategies, and mission assurance practices.
3. Collaborate with Diverse Teams: Emphasize your ability to work effectively with government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel, showcasing successful team projects and case studies.
4. Address Mission-Critical Requirements: Address the critical nature of the ground system development and integration efforts, highlighting your commitment to delivering operationally dominant space capabilities.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

1. Brush Up on Technical Skills: Refresh your knowledge of systems engineering principles, satellite ground system design and integration, risk management, and mission assurance.
2. Practice Problem-Solving: Engage in practice problems and case studies to hone your problem-solving skills and develop strategies for addressing mission-critical requirements.
3. Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Reflect on your past experiences working in dynamic Program Office environments, collaborating with diverse teams, and managing risks to deliver mission-critical projects.

ATS Keywords: Systems Engineering, Program Management, Technical Support, Command and Control Services, Risk Management, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Team Collaboration, Mission Assurance, Ground System Design, Cloud Environment, Integration Efforts, Satellite Operations, Acquisition Oversight, Dynamic Program Office Experience, Technical Presentation, Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO), National Security Space (NSS) Enterprise, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), Agile Methodologies, Collaborative Environment, Technical Leadership, Program Management, Strategic Planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Aerospace Corporation's interview process emphasizes technical proficiency, leadership skills, and cultural fit, with a strong focus on delivering operationally dominant space capabilities for the nation's space programs.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Ground System Technologies:

1. Satellite Ground System Design: Experience with satellite ground system design, including antenna systems, telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) systems, and data processing.
2. Cloud Environment: Familiarity with commercial cloud environments, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and experience with cloud-based ground system architectures.
3. Integration Efforts: Proficiency in integration efforts, including vehicle to ground system integration, command and control services, and data exchange between ground systems and space vehicles.

Development & DevOps Tools:

1. Version Control: Experience with version control systems, such as Git, to manage ground system development and ensure code quality and collaboration.
2. CI/CD Pipelines: Familiarity with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate ground system development, testing, and deployment processes.
3. Monitoring Tools: Experience with monitoring tools, such as Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK Stack, to track ground system performance, identify issues, and ensure mission assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Aerospace Corporation's technology stack emphasizes satellite ground system design, cloud-based architectures, and integration efforts, with a strong focus on delivering operationally dominant space capabilities for the nation's space programs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Ground Systems Engineer Values:

1. Technical Excellence: A commitment to delivering operationally dominant space capabilities through technical expertise in satellite ground system design, integration, and operations.
2. Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional integration, working closely with government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel to deliver mission-critical projects.
3. Mission Focus: A deep understanding of the critical nature of ground system development and integration efforts, with a commitment to ensuring mission success and delivering capabilities at the speed of warfighting relevance.
4. Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic Program Office environment, managing risks, and responding to changing mission requirements and priorities.

Collaboration Style:

1. Cross-Functional Integration: The Aerospace Corporation encourages collaboration between government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel, with a focus on teamwork, communication, and shared goals.
2. Code Review Culture: A culture of code review and technical mentoring, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
3. Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise, with a focus on developing junior team members and fostering a culture of technical excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Aerospace Corporation's team culture emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, mission focus, and adaptability, with a strong commitment to delivering operationally dominant space capabilities for the nation's space programs.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

1. Rapid Development: Deliver operationally dominant space capabilities at the speed of warfighting relevance, working in a dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel.
2. Mission-Critical Requirements: Address critical ground system development and integration efforts, ensuring mission assurance and delivering capabilities that meet the needs of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO) and the national security space (NSS) enterprise.
3. Cloud-Based Architectures: Develop and integrate ground systems in a commercial cloud environment, ensuring security, scalability, and performance optimization.
4. Integration Efforts: Coordinate with multiple government agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration between ground systems and space vehicles, as well as data exchange between ground systems and space-based assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

1. Technical Expertise: Develop expertise in satellite ground system design, integration, and operations, with a focus on emerging technologies and best practices in the space domain.
2. Leadership Development: Gain experience in technical leadership, program management, and strategic planning, with opportunities to advance to leadership roles within the Defense Systems Group (DSG) or other divisions within the corporation.
3. Mission-Critical Projects: Contribute to mission-critical projects, working closely with government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel to deliver operationally dominant space capabilities for the nation's space programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Aerospace Corporation offers numerous learning and development opportunities for talented individuals looking to advance their careers in the space domain, with a strong emphasis on technical expertise, leadership development, and mission-critical projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

1. Systems Engineering Principles: Demonstrate a deep understanding of systems engineering principles, with a focus on satellite ground system design, integration, and operations.
2. Risk Management Strategies: Explain your approach to risk management, with examples of strategies employed in mission-critical projects and dynamic Program Office environments.
3. Mission Assurance Practices: Discuss your experience with mission assurance, highlighting your commitment to ensuring the success of critical ground system development and integration efforts.
4. Cloud-Based Ground Systems: Describe your experience with commercial cloud environments, with a focus on ground system architectures, security, and performance optimization.

Company & Culture Questions:

1. Company Culture: Explain what aspects of The Aerospace Corporation's culture appeal to you, and how your values and work style align with the organization's mission and goals.
2. Team Dynamics: Describe your experience working in dynamic Program Office environments, with a focus on collaboration, communication, and shared goals.
3. Mission-Critical Projects: Discuss your experience working on mission-critical projects, highlighting your ability to deliver operationally dominant space capabilities in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

1. Tailor Your Portfolio: Highlight your experience in satellite ground system development, testing, and operations, with a focus on the specific requirements of this role.
2. Showcase Technical Expertise: Demonstrate your understanding of systems engineering principles, risk management strategies, and mission assurance practices.
3. Collaborate with Diverse Teams: Emphasize your ability to work effectively with government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel, showcasing successful team projects and case studies.
4. Address Mission-Critical Requirements: Address the critical nature of the ground system development and integration efforts, highlighting your commitment to delivering operationally dominant space capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Ground Systems Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) position at The Aerospace Corporation:

Tailor Your Portfolio: Highlight your experience in satellite ground system development, testing, and operations, with a focus on the specific requirements of this role.
Showcase Technical Expertise: Demonstrate your understanding of systems engineering principles, risk management strategies, and mission assurance practices.
Collaborate with Diverse Teams: Emphasize your ability to work effectively with government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel, showcasing successful team projects and case studies.
Address Mission-Critical Requirements: Address the critical nature of the ground system development and integration efforts, highlighting your commitment to delivering operationally dominant space capabilities.
Prepare for Technical Interview: Brush up on your technical skills, practice problem-solving, and prepare for behavioral questions focusing on your experience in dynamic Program Office environments, collaborating with diverse teams, and managing risks to deliver mission-critical projects.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with The Aerospace Corporation's mission, values, and culture, emphasizing your alignment with the organization's commitment to solving the hardest problems in the space domain and delivering operationally dominant space capabilities for the nation's space programs.

📝 Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Aerospace Corporation before making application decisions.

Ground Systems Engineer