Navigation & Positioning Architectures MTS Engineer

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Surveillance and Navigation Architecture Performance Department (SNAPD) in the Integrated Performance Subdivision aspires to be the premier force advising the evolution of national security and civil space enterprises, leveraging our modeling and simulation (M&S) expertise to evaluate end-to-end architecture performance.

Within SNAPD, the Navigation and Positioning Architectures Section (NPAS) develops and maintains technical capabilities in modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) to perform requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives (AoA), and performance evaluation for navigation and positioning systems. We are looking for curious and innovative teammates to help us address our customers’ hardest problems!

Work Model:

This full-time position requires a minimum of 4 days on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. Alternative locations that may be considered include Chantilly, VA, or Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Support analysis in one or more of these specific mission areas: geo-spatial intelligence, signals intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems, and/or space protection supporting defense or intelligence capabilities.

• Independently apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to support recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions of legacy and emerging positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions.

• Perform architecture evaluation modeling overall performance using in-house or custom-developed analysis tools.

• Work with senior staff, management, and a team to plan and conduct deep dives, trade studies, and assessments, translating customer needs into project objectives and providing quality deliverables to customer organizations.

• Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers.

• Aid in sustainment, development, and growth of the organization’s analysis and simulation capabilities to support functional areas for our customer base.

• As a Senior Member of Technical Staff, you will lead small teams of peers and mentor junior staff in conducting routine analysis and development tasks as part of larger project efforts. 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum requirements for a Member of the Technical Staff (MTS):

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field from an accredited program.  

• Over one year of professional experience in relevant topic areas post bachelor’s degree (e.g., modeling and simulation, mission analysis, astrodynamics, or space operations.) 

• Familiarity with one or more software languages that may include Python, C/C++, and/or High-Performance Computing/Linux environments.  

• This position requires 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. 

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for a Senior Member of the Technical Staff (SrMTS):

• 5 years of relevant educational, professional, and/or technical work experience post bachelor’s degree in relevant topic areas (e.g., modeling and simulation, mission analysis, astrodynamics, or space operations.)

• Professional experience with one or more of the following subjects: geolocation, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies and architectures, PNT resilience and interference analysis, mathematical modeling, space-related modeling and simulation, mission data processing, signal processing, space threats, resilient systems, algorithm design, or software development

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• PhD in aerospace engineering, mathematics, physics, operations research, or a related field from an accredited program. (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 

• Significant experience in one or more of the functional/mission areas listed above.

• Proficiency with one or more software languages that may include Python, C, C++, MATLAB, Fortran, Java.

• Knowledge of Intelligence Community or US Department of War business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios

• Demonstrated responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, to include the ability to:   

• Self-manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and deliverables  

• Maintain deliverable quality and manage customer expectations 

• Take direction, work independently, and develop productive working relationships  

• Interact and collaborate across a diverse team in different locations 

• Lead small teams in conducting analysis and development tasks in support of larger efforts

• Current, active TS/SCI security clearance or SAP accesses.

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)

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 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 at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

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 (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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.