AI-Enabled Design 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 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 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 Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process   development   and leadership   expertise ; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model: This position will follow an in-person work model at   A erospace’s   Colorado Springs, CO location.

What   You’ll   Be Doing

- Advance the department’s state of the art by leading development and execution of AI-enabled design capabilities , in cluding automated workflows and agentic tools

- Serve   as the subdivision focal point for AI-enabled design , investigate   urgent technical problems , and   e stablish   new partnerships across the Engineering and Technology Group   (ETG)   and program offices   to create revolutionary design capabilities   for our team   that are both r esponsive and technically rigorous

- Drive   outreach and education of ETG, program offices, customers, and industry on Aerospace AI-enabled design capabilities

- Direct complex technical activities, organize multi- disciplinary   project teams, and execute a variety of   space and ground conceptual design   activities.

- S teer and implement strategy   in   vehicle and ground   conceptual design   for the   department . S eek,   identify , and pursue opportunities for   additional , expanded, and new business and   assist   higher management in the evaluation and pursuit of new opportunities

- Lead efforts to   identify   and incorporate emerging technologies, commercial capabilities, interoperable solutions, and industry best practices into   conceptual design s   for space, ground, and network capabilities

- Expand   scope of   VGCD   relationship with program offices and customer s , such as   SSIO , SWAC, SSDP ,   and the IC,   and leverage department staff   and   expertise   from across ETG   to   solve complex customer problems .

- Initiate new   program office relationships   to collaboratively   define   new   tasking , create implementation plans, and   identify   personnel   to perform the work based on your knowledge of resources and   expertise   across the company

- M entor   early career and experienced   staff, serving as a role model and   technical   advisor to an exceptionally talented and highly motivated cadre of architects, analysts, and modelers   to   develop   department capabilities and meet emerging demand for department   expertise .

What you   Need   To   Be Successful

Minimum   Requirements   Senior Project Leader – Enterprise Systems Engineering

- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field

- At least 10 years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments, with a strong command of systems engineering principles

- Leadership e xperience in   AI   capability development ,   application of AI/ML and automation to   operational mission execution, and/or AI-enabled design

- Experience   initiating   and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to   plan and   execute projects or studies

- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in   leadership   briefings, formal reports, and informal communications

- Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and schedule commitments

- Demonstrated ability to   establish   and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with employees, customers, acquisition program offices, and contractors

- Exhibit   exceptionally   high level   of innovation, creativeness, and initiative

- Available and willing to travel domestically and/or internationally approx. 5-10%

- A current and active Top Secret/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:

- Advanced degree ( Master's   or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in a relevant engineering discipline

- Demonstrated initiative to innovate, shape, drive, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tasks, projects, or organizations

- Experience in   training,   mentoring   and inspiring staff

- Experience working in partnership with multiple Aerospace program offices and customers

- Strong interpersonal networks with Aerospace and customer organizations that can be   leveraged   to establish collaborations and obtain sponsorship for projects

- Experience in methods and processes for early life cycle systems engineering, system architecting, and US government system acquisition

- Experience with Intelligence Community systems engineering and programmatic processes, methods, tools, and personnel

- Experience with   operational   employment of space capabilities in domain areas such as missile warning /missile tracking, precision navigation and timing, space-based environmental monitoring,   or space domain awareness

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)
$155,900.00 - $233,900.00

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 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  [email protected] . You can also review  Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .