Senior Engineering Specialist - Digital and Systems Engineering

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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED) , part of SED, serves as a strategic partner to government and commercial organizations navigating the digital transformation of systems engineering. Through applied research and development, agile rapid prototyping, objective independent assessments, and expert advisory services, DSED enables customers to successfully institutionalize Digital Systems Engineering (DSE) concepts, methods, practices, and tools throughout their systems acquisition and realization lifecycle. Our comprehensive approach- integrating the three functional pillars of Digital Engineering (DE), Model-Based Engineering (MBE), and Systems Engineering (SE), empowers customers to accelerate innovation, reduce risk, and achieve mission success in increasingly complex space and defense system environments.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Engineering Specialist with a focus Digital and Systems Engineering to drive the development and execution and management of complex MBSE and DE project portfolios. This role requires a deep understanding of MBSE concepts, methodologies, frameworks, tools, and best practices to enhance the acquisition and realization of space and defense systems encompassing systems architecture, design, analysis, and lifecycle management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, project portfolio management, and cross-functional collaboration with Aerospace program offices and ETG organizations within a dynamic and innovative environment.

What You'll Be Doing

Plan, execute, and lead MBSE and DE R&D initiatives and projects, ensuring integration of systems engineering best practices.

Provide oversight of project teams developing descriptive models using open-standard modeling languages (SysML, UAFML, BPMN) and industry-recognized tools (e.g., Cameo, Sparx EA, Rhapsody).

Guide project teams through the full system development lifecycle, from concept to deployment.

Drive innovation and best practices in MBSE, ensuring alignment with industry trends and organizational, and customer goals.

Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, including software, hardware, and domain experts, to develop and analyze system models in the systems acquisition and realization lifecycle.

Author, publish, and present papers, presentations, and training material on MBSE topics of mutual interest to Aerospace and customers.

Participate in MBSE and DE related standards organizations and profession society working groups (e.g., OMG, INCOSE, Digital Twin Consortium, AIAA, IEEE) representing Aerospace interests.

Mentor and train junior and mid-level engineers on MBSE principles, practices, and tools.

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

B.S. degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.), Computer Science, or related technical field.

12+ years of experience in three or more systems engineering functional areas (e.g. requirements, architecture, design) with at least 5 years in MBSE and DE.

Proficiency in MBSE tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, Sparx EA, or IBM Rhapsody.

Strong knowledge of descriptive modeling languages (e.g., SysML, UAFML, BPMN), architecture frameworks (e.g., DoDAF, UAF, TOGAF), and methodologies (e.g., OOSEM, SysMOD, ISE&PPOOA).

Must be a self-starter with excellent problem-solving, communication (verbal and written), and project portfolio and technical leadership skills.

Comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment with cross-functional government, SETA, and other FFRDC teams.

Ability to clearly explain project outcomes and deliverables to stakeholders not versed in MBSE.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Possess strong organizational, time management and project management skills.

Ability to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.

Ability to work well in a team environment.

Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing program office sponsor and customer needs.

Problem-solving, analytical, and innovation mindset.

Willing to travel to customer or contractor site, domestical or internationally

This position requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance 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:

M.S. or Ph.D. degree in a relevant e ngineering discipline (Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.), Computer Science, or related technical field.

Practical systems engineering work experience in the space, defense, or nuclear security domains.

Familiarity with agile project management using JIRA.

Knowledge of Digital Engineering (DE) concepts, including digital engineering ecosystems, digital threads, and digital twins.

INCOSE CSEP/ESEP certification.

PMI PMP certification.

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)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

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 various backgrounds