Space-to-Ground Systems Integration Engineer

About the job

• 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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.
• The Systems Integration and Test Office (SITO) create and review system functional, performance, and operationally relevant test programs for internal and external customer space, ground, and user segment systems. Responsible for performing systems integration and test tasks related to mission and system threads, interface definition, technology insertion, and use of system integration tools and techniques.
• The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly VA.
• 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 Sr. MTS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• 5 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.
• 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 protocols).
• Experience with systems (and/or system of systems) integration planning, execution, and test.  In addition, familiarity with System Integration Plans (SIP), Systems Engineering Plans (SEP), and System Test and Integration Plans (STIP).
• Experience with the following: systems engineering tools (e.g., Cameo), test management software, simulation environments (STK, Simulink), or scripting languages (Python, MATLAB).
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a team environment with strong communication skills.
• TS/SCI clearance required (active clearance preferred, or ability to obtain one).
• In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for an Engineering Specialist include:
• 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.
• Ability to independently lead 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 leverage Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies to optimize testing workflows and integration efficiency.
• Ability to travel domestically 10-20% of the time (potentially OCONUS) for test events, program reviews, and customer meetings, as needed.
• Active TS/SCI clearance (or ability to obtain one).
• 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)
• $100,300.00 - $175,900.00
• 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.