Sr. Next Gen OPIR Polar System Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation — El Segundo, CA

The Next Gen OPIR Polar program in the Space Based Sensing Division is actively participating in the building and fielding of next generation OPIR Space Vehicles for Polar (Molniya) orbits. The mission of the Next Gen Polar (NGP) constellation is to deliver end-to-end, resilient, missiles missile warning systems in for the northern hemisphere that outpace the threat.

Our primary customer is the U.S. Space Force (USSF), and this position is prime contractor focused with a fast-paced tempo to address challenges head-on. We are looking for a driven, motivated Sr. Next Gen OPIR Polar System Engineer team member to perform technical support in a dynamic team environment.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo CA and support the Program Office in collaboration with the Prime Contractor facility in Redondo Beach CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Be a key participant and stakeholder in NG OPIR Polar Enterprise Integration Test team which supports the Prime contractor space segment, ground segment and launch segments, with primary focus on the space segment.
• You will execute independent assessments of segment activities and provide guidance to USSF customer
• Key role and responsibility on the architectural consistency and compatibility across segments
• Identify and resolve architectural conflicts or gaps between segments
• Key Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between:
• Space ↔ Ground (telemetry, commanding, tracking)
• Space ↔ Launch (mechanical, electrical, environmental)
• Ground ↔ Launch (pre-launch operations, countdown procedures)
• Resolve interface discrepancies and conflicts
• Ensure verification closure across segment boundaries
• Present system-level status to program management
• This role essentially serves as the "glue" that holds the entire mission together, ensuring that when the spacecraft arrives at the launch site, it's compatible with the launch vehicle, and when it reaches orbit, the ground segment is ready to operate it successfully.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer – Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or other discipline
• 12 or more years of proven experience with evaluation of system engineering validation process, understanding of requirement sell off process, familiarity with major prime contractors requirements and capabilities
• Deep understanding of OPIR space vehicle systems
• Knowledge of ground systems (operations centers, antennas, networks)
• Familiarity with launch vehicle interfaces and environments
• Systems thinking and ability to see "big picture"
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to influence without direct authority
• Excellent written communication (technical documentation)
• Strong presentation skills for diverse audiences
• Ability to translate between different technical disciplines
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking
• Travel approx. 10%
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

• Master’s degree or higher in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or other discipline
• Proven history supporting the USSF customer
• Ability to collaborate across government and contractor teams
• Record of advising US Government customer at critical decision milestones (technical and/or schedule), including performing risk assessments.
• Current Secret level clearance, addition of SCI preferred

(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