The Aerospace Corporation · Kirtland AFB, NM

Sr. Space RCO Systems Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation — Kirtland AFB, NM

Full-timeKirtland AFB, NM$151,300–$226,900/yearPosted 2026-06-29Apply on Workday

Full job description

Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Sr. Systems Engineer (SE) in the Responsive Space Branch within the Agile Acquisition Directorate (AAD) will support the program office acquiring a critical space system for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The Space RCO is rapidly developing and fielding highly classified critical space capabilities for the space enterprise. The Sr. SE will actively participate in all phases of a system lifecycle to ensure an operationally dominant space capability is delivered at the speed of warfighting relevance. This role will also be responsible for Aerospace reach-back and backplane activities.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at Kirtland Air Force Base.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Support program reviews, design, development, test, and transition to operations efforts
  • Act as principal technical representative directly supporting Program Manager (O-5)
  • Understand and ensure implementation of requirements for system design, mission concept of operations, prototype and test, initial checkout, operations, and operational transition support
  • Provide mission assurance and assist with integration efforts
  • Witness critical test efforts, verifying procedures and plans are followed appropriately
  • Support integration and test anomaly investigations, providing key expertise in protecting schedule, cost, and hardware
  • Identify risk areas and mitigation efforts to meet mission objectives
  • Represent SpRCO’s interest in Aerospace backplane communications
  • Solicit and oversee subject matter experts from the Aerospace Engineering Technical Group (ETG) to employ their expertise on critical problems
  • Work closely with members of a diverse team of military, government civilians, prime contractors, SE&I contractors, FFRDCs and National Laboratories

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

  • BS degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences is required or an equivalent combination of training and experience
  • 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering, program management, or other technical fields.
  • Demonstrated ability to form and lead teams
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information
  • Travel is required (10-25%)
  • This position requires a current TS/SCI security clearance with SAP eligibility, which is issued by the US Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
  • Past demonstration of Aerospace’s Leadership Competency Model elements: leading change, operating strategically, fostering innovation, delivering results, and engaging with impact

How You Can Stand Out

  • Advanced degree in technical subject area (engineering, science or math)
  • Systems Engineering experience with rapid operational systems
  • An excellent personal technical reputation and a record of personal technical achievement
  • Program office experience
  • Experience preparing data packages for and working through spectrum management/frequency approval processes

(Min - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

  • 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

Equal Opportunity Commitment