Software Systems Acquisition Engineer

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.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff provide expertise for the latest in modern information system technologies including AI and LLMOps platforms, cloud data orchestration, real-time event streaming, containerization & microservices orchestration on platforms like AWS and Azure to help deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

Do cool work that matters in an industry that’s expanding rapidly! We are looking for a Software Systems Acquisition Engineer to join our growing Software Systems and Acquisition Department. Our customers in the Space Force, Air Force, NASA, NOAA, other federal agencies, and commercial industry need your help to acquire cutting-edge software capabilities to chase the future!

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, requiring a minimum of 4 days onsite.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Be the go-to person in providing software systems engineering expertise to support effective acquisition of software-reliant systems from pre-acquisition planning through source selection, development, integration and test, and deployment
- Work shoulder-to-shoulder with customers and contractors to shape and execute software specifics in complex acquisition programs
- Provide expertise in rapid iterative and incremental software development approaches (such as Agile, Scrum, Scaled Agile Framework, and DevSecOps) and assist customers in applying these techniques toward mission success
- Lead engineering analyses and studies on topics such as software requirements development, verification and validation approaches, readiness reviews, risk management, technology planning and insertion, performance assessments, and market research
- Research challenging problems, test hypotheses, and innovate new approaches and tools

- Mentor junior staff as you grow your own career

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in STEM, emphasis in computer science, software engineering, computer or information systems, management sciences, or closely related technical discipline
- 7-12 years of professional software engineering experience
- Hands-on experience in the development of complex software-reliant systems
- Experience using Agile/DevSecOps software development or Agile project management
- Proven ability to take initiative and successfully complete tasks and collaborate effectively
- Willingness to travel overnight domestically, approx. 10-15% if needed
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US 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:

- Active or recent SSBI (Single Scope Background Investigation) and ability to obtain and maintain SCI access

- Advanced degree from an accredited program in a relevant field
- Experience in at least two of the following: federal government acquisition programs, MBSE/digital engineering, software processes/metrics/quality, data science practices, software process improvement, software test design

- Current certification in one or more relevant technologies (e.g., Scrum Master, Product Owner, Scaled Agile Framework, cloud architect, certified solutions architect, etc.) with corresponding experience
- Familiarity with space/missile acquisition policies, space/missile systems, and/or advanced space/missile technologies

- PMP, DAWIA Program Manager Level II or III, or other relevant acquisition certifications

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)
$129,000.00 - $193,500.00

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 .