Space-Based Interceptor Test Integration and Operations Engineering Lead

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 Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Golden Dome missile defense system aims to counter the threat of ballistic, hypersonic, and other advanced threats from peer and near-peer adversaries as directed within the presidential executive order. Within the Golden Dome architecture, the Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) Program Office seeks to develop and deploy a proliferated constellation of space-based interceptors capable of boost-phase engagement of adversary missiles. The SBI interceptors will employ a Fire Control capability that is integrated with the overall Golden Dome missile defense system.

We are looking for a Space-Based Interceptor Test Integration and Operations Engineering Lead to directly support the SBI Program Office to advise to the development of this novel missile defense capability.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Huntsville, AL.

What You’ll Be Doing

• •Lead end-to-end systems integration and test activities across space, ground, and user segments for satellite communication systems. Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, verification procedures, and validation approaches for mission-critical interfaces including space-to-ground, ground-to-user, and space-to-user architectures.
• •Manage requirements verification and traceability from mission concept through operational transition. Flow down system requirements, maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and ensure verification coverage using engineering models, simulations, testbeds, and special test equipment throughout the development lifecycle.
• •Coordinate multi-disciplinary integration efforts by developing System Integration Plans (SIPs), System Test and Integration Plans (STIPs), and supporting Systems Engineering Plans (SEPs). Collaborate with spacecraft systems, flight software, ground software, and operations teams to ensure seamless end-to-end integration and mission success.
• •Execute developmental and operational test campaigns including developmental testing (DT), operational testing (OT), and integrated test events. Analyze test results, identify anomalies, document findings, and provide technical recommendations to program leadership and government customers to support critical decision-making.
• •Support modern development and deployment practices by implementing Agile and DevSecOps methodologies for space-to-ground system integration. Contribute to CI/CD pipeline development, automated testing frameworks, and cloud-based architecture integration in AWS, Azure, or GCP environments.
• •Provide technical risk management and mission assurance support by identifying integration risks, developing mitigation strategies, conducting trade studies, and performing technical analysis to ensure systems meet mission objectives, performance requirements, and security standards.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Leader – Acquisition and Operations Systems Engineering:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field.

8 years of experience in Test and Evaluation (T&E), verification of space-to-ground or ground-to-user segment interface requirements including systems engineering, and/or operations of space systems, satellites, and/or ground systems infrastructure within the U.S. government agencies and/or aerospace industry.

Working knowledge of Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) Test and Evaluation processes and documentation, including familiarity with DoDI 5000 series acquisition policies, Developmental Tests (DT), Operational Tests (OT), integrated test strategies, Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP), Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMP) development and execution.

Experience with test planning, execution, and analysis using test management software, simulation environments, statistical tools, and technical reporting for U.S. government agency evaluation and decision processes.

Experience with assisting and leading multiple cross-functional technical teams, multiple concurrent tasks, and communicate technical information clearly and persuasively.

Direct experience with space systems (satellite development, ground station operations, mission operations, or space system integration).

• •Understanding of space and/or ground system architecture and satellite operations including orbital mechanics, satellite subsystems (e.g., spacecraft bus, payload), ground system functions (command and control, telemetry and mission data processing, and space-to-ground (or ground-to-user) data links and
• •Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a team environment with strong communication skills.
• •This position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

In addition to the above, the Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Leader – Acquisition and Operations Systems Engineering include:

• •12 or more years of experience in Test and Evaluation (T&E), verification of space-to-ground or ground-to-user segment interface requirements including systems engineering, and/or operations of space systems, satellites, and/or ground systems infrastructure within the U.S. government agencies and/or aerospace industry.
• •Experience with leading multiple cross-functional technical teams, multiple concurrent tasks, and communicate technical information clearly and persuasively.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be Impressive if you have one or more of the following:

Advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field.

Mission testing and integration knowledge and experience for specific U.S. Space Force (USSF), Intelligence Community (IC), or commercial customers (e.g., system requirements, system (and/or system of systems) integration and testing, spacecraft subsystems, manufacturing, test, and/or spacecraft/ground operations).

Have demonstrated ability to take a system-level perspective and flow down salient aspects of system behavior into requirements and assess requirements verification evidence/counter evidence into system level effect analysis.

Knowledge of cloud/virtual architecture and agile testing methodologies for software integration and test.

Ability to travel domestically 25% of the time (potentially OCONUS) for test events, program reviews, and customer meetings, as neede