Space-Based Radar System Architect

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The GEOINT Innovations Office (GIO), part of the National Systems Group's Imagery Programs Division, advises the government on future architecture, research, technology development, and commercial data acquisition. The Future Architectures Department seeks a Space-Based Radar System Architect to use modeling, simulation, image processing and mission expertise to shape GEOINT solutions. As integration leader for a multi-disciplinary technical team, you will help Government customers define future Radar architecture, advance capabilities, and develop CONOPs, directly influencing budget and acquisition decisions for next-generation GEOINT space systems. You will serve as spokesperson to Aerospace management, Government customers, and contractors on technical and programmatic risks. As a Senior Project Leader, you'll work across organizational boundaries, secure technical support from corporate resources, and bring in new tasks and projects to expand the program's impact.

This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VA.

What You'll Be Doing

- Lead and coordinate Engineering Matrix domain experts to perform payload, vehicle, and constellation-level design trades, evaluating future GEOINT architectures for performance, requirements satisfaction, and mission utility
- Review contractor proposals and independently assess system capabilities against user needs, identifying risks and opportunities for the Government
- Serve as working group spokesperson, communicating technical and programmatic issues and recommendations to Aerospace management, Government customers, and contractors
- Respond to urgent technical inquiries from NRO, NGA, ODNI, DoW, NRO Leadership, and Congress
- Provide daily oversight of task execution and budgets, communicating status and findings to customers and management
- Secure technical support from corporate resources to meet mission objectives
- Mentor SETA, Aerospace, and Customer representatives on technical program execution
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities and tasks that expand Aerospace's GEOINT contributions
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment, applying strategy and critical thinking to solve complex technical challenges

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Project Leader - Signal & Image Process Engineering:

- Bachelor's OR Advanced degree in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, or related technical discipline
- A minimum of 12 years of experience post-bachelor's degree
- Technical experience in architecture modeling, orbital mechanics, and space systems
- Strong understanding of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems
- Familiarity with remote sensing radar or RF mission payloads
- Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate multi-disciplinary technical teams, coordinating cross-functional contributors to deliver decision-driving products on large, multi-phase programs
- Experience acting as a spokesperson or primary technical liaison between a working group and management/customer stakeholders
- Experience monitoring or contributing to budget development and task execution oversight
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a senior mentor, guiding junior staff, SETA personnel, and customer representatives in technical program execution
- This position requires a current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance along with a polygraph, which is 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 in engineering, science, mathematics, or related field
- Strong understanding of GEOINT architectures, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Moving Target Indication (MTI)
- Experience planning or conducting architectural and optimization trade studies
- Experience developing visualizations using modeling and simulation software to depict constellations and architectures
- Program Office experience working directly with contractors, SETA, and government customers
- Experience working within the intelligence community and advising senior officials
- Prior experience working in an engineering matrix that supports program office and customer senior leadership
- Demonstrated experience participating in new business development or technical planning efforts, including identifying and securing new tasks or projects for a team or program

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)
$171,400.00 - $257,100.00

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 .