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Technical Advisor and Systems 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, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

Within DSG, the Headquarters, United States Space Force Support subdivision provides technical expertise to the United States Space Force Headquarters in support of the Chief & Vice Chief of Space Operations. We are looking for a Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Enterprise Systems Engineering) to support these efforts. In this role, you will lead systems engineering technical support to the United States Space Force Task Force Futures. You will work alongside the government and Aerospace teams to define future end-to-end architectures and to baseline and define digital engineering infrastructure and processes for the services’ future-oriented activities. This includes integrating concepts, research, prototyping and experimentation, wargaming, and force design into a coherent and consistent enterprise. You also will work with a growing futures support team and reach across Aerospace for technical support to provide valuable expertise on a number of enterprise systems engineering projects, including digital engineering tasks and processes.

Work Model

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Crystal City, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Collaborate and function effectively in an onsite environment with the customer and work with senior Government leaders, the various Aerospace program offices, and the Aerospace Engineering and Technical Group (ETG) to address technical and programmatic issues and provide the customer with the best available technical analyses and recommendations

  • Develop, foster, and maintain relationships with field and headquarters offices across the United States Space Force (USSF)

  • Be positioned to help address the breadth and depth of Space Force systems engineering and integration challenges and issues, build end-to-end processes and models, and lead data infrastructure development activities

  • Deliver results on time-sensitive staff inquiries and provide technical support and assistance with official responses to Congress, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, HQ Space Force and the Intelligence Community (IC)

What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer - Enterprise Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or other related technical discipline

  • 6 years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments

  • Familiarity with/knowledge of the USSF or national security space enterprise

  • Willing to travel domestically on occasion when required by the customer (approx. <10%)

  • This position requires a current Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the Senior Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering requires the following:

  • 10 years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments
  • Experience in systems-of-systems (SoS) engineering and enterprise architecting and model-based system engineering (MBSE) discipline (e.g. Cameo), literature, tools, and processes
  • Exposure to and/or substantive knowledge of the breadth and depth of the USSF or national security space enterprise

How You Can Stand Out

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

  • Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or other related technical discipline

  • Demonstrated examples of innovative and entrepreneurial solutioning

  • Demonstrated experience briefing senior Government leaders (General Officer and/or SES)

  • Possess a thorough understanding of the roles played by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; the United States Space Force, U.S. Space Command; the space system program offices; the defense agencies; the Joint Staff; and other government organizations in the acquisition, management, and operation of the national security space enterprise

  • Proven ability to work effectively with senior government and military personnel

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and comfort with ambiguous tasks

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
  • A 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, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement

Average salary estimate

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$130000K

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What You Should Know About Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead, The Aerospace Corporation

At The Aerospace Corporation, we're on a mission to support the nation's space initiatives as the trusted partner and provider of unmatched technical expertise. We're seeking a dedicated Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead to join our Crystal City, Texas team. In this dynamic role, you'll work closely with the United States Space Force, supporting their Task Force Futures by providing exceptional systems engineering technical support. As a leader in this position, you're tasked with defining future architectures, establishing digital engineering processes, and helping integrate groundbreaking concepts into a cohesive framework. You will collaborate with senior government leaders, Aerospace program offices, and our Engineering and Technical Group to deliver timely solutions for complex, time-sensitive inquiries. To stand out, you’ll need a strong background in systems engineering and project management, as well as the ability to forge relationships within various offices across the Space Force. We’re looking for someone with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. If you're seeking a full-time, engaging opportunity in a collaborative and supportive environment, join The Aerospace Corporation, where your contributions will help shape the future of space operations. Your journey in space starts here!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead Role at The Aerospace Corporation
What are the main responsibilities of a Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead at The Aerospace Corporation?

As a Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead at The Aerospace Corporation, you will lead systems engineering efforts for the United States Space Force Task Force Futures. Your duties include defining end-to-end architectures, developing digital engineering processes, and integrating innovative concepts into a unified enterprise system. You'll collaborate closely with senior government officials and various Aerospace program offices to provide expert analyses and recommendations.

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What qualifications are needed for the Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead role at The Aerospace Corporation?

To qualify for the Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead position at The Aerospace Corporation, candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field such as engineering or science. Additionally, a minimum of six years of professional engineering experience is required, with an emphasis on systems engineering. For senior applicants, ten years of experience in multidisciplinary environments and familiarity with the national security space and USSF is imperative.

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What key skills are important for success in the Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead position at The Aerospace Corporation?

Successful individuals in the Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead role at The Aerospace Corporation must exhibit strong project management skills, a knack for systems-of-systems engineering, and an understanding of model-based system engineering. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as the role involves collaboration with senior military personnel and government leaders.

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What kind of work environment can one expect as a Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead at The Aerospace Corporation?

As a Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead at The Aerospace Corporation, you can expect a collaborative and stimulating work environment. The role is primarily on-site in Crystal City, Texas, where you'll work closely with government leaders and the Aerospace team on critical space initiatives. The company emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and respect as core values.

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How does The Aerospace Corporation support the professional growth of a Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead?

The Aerospace Corporation fosters professional growth for Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead roles through comprehensive training, education assistance programs, and opportunities for advancement. The organization values teamwork and respect, providing an environment conducive to learning, innovation, and effective contributions to the space sector.

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Common Interview Questions for Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead
Can you describe your experience with systems engineering and how it aligns with the role of Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead?

In your answer, highlight specific projects where you led systems engineering efforts, discussing your methodologies, tools used, and outcomes. Emphasize how your experience directly relates to the responsibilities outlined for the Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead at The Aerospace Corporation.

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How do you approach collaboration with senior government officials in the context of space programs?

Discuss your strategies for building relationships with stakeholders, including communication styles and tools you use for effective engagement. Providing examples of past experiences where you've collaborated with senior leaders will strengthen your answer.

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What strategies do you use to stay updated on the latest advancements in digital engineering?

Detail your methods for continuous learning, such as professional development courses, industry publications, and networking events. Mention any specific technologies or trends you follow and how they could be relevant to your role at The Aerospace Corporation.

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Can you give an example of a challenging project you managed and the steps you took to overcome obstacles?

Share a specific challenge from a past project, explaining the context, your problem-solving approach, and the eventual outcome. Focus on demonstrating your strategic thinking and project management skills in the context of systems engineering.

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What is your understanding of model-based system engineering (MBSE) and its application in the aerospace context?

Provide an overview of MBSE principles, tools you have utilized (like Cameo or similar), and discuss how you applied them in aerospace projects. Highlight the benefits MBSE brings to systems engineering in aerospace scenarios.

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How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple concurrent projects in a systems engineering context?

Explain your approach to time management and prioritization, discussing tools and methodologies (like Agile or similar) you might employ to keep projects on track. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple high-stakes projects in the past.

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Describe a time when you had to present technical information to a non-technical audience. How did you ensure clarity?

Provide a specific instance where you translated complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders. Detail your techniques to ensure understanding, such as using analogies, visuals, or simplifying language.

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What role do you believe innovation plays in systems engineering, particularly in the aerospace sector?

Discuss your perspective on innovation within systems engineering and provide examples of innovative solutions you've developed. Highlight the importance of fostering a culture that encourages creative approaches to solving complex problems in aerospace.

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How familiar are you with the United States Space Force and what challenges do you see they are facing today?

Share your knowledge about the US Space Force’s mission, organizational structure, and current challenges. Discuss any insights you have regarding systems engineering’s role in addressing these challenges moving forward.

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What do you consider the most critical skills for a Technical Advisor and Systems Engineering Lead and how do you embody them?

Identify specific skills relevant to the role, such as leadership, technical proficiency, and critical thinking. Provide examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in previous roles and how they align with the expectations at The Aerospace Corporation.

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In an era of dynamic change in space, Aerospace is addressing a generation of complex challenges. We operate the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts spa...

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Full-time, on-site
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April 2, 2025

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