Sr. NAVWAR PNT Strategic Architect at The Aerospace Corporation — Colorado Springs, CO

We’re not just building satellites; we’re constructing the future of defense, one innovative solution at a time. As the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, we tackle the most complex challenges with unmatched technical expertise. The Space Warfighting Analysis Office within our Aerospace Space Security Directorate is seeking a driven Sr. NAVWAR PNT Strategic Architect to support our DoD customers.

This role will be diving deep into cutting-edge Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) and Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities, and analyzing and designing next-generation NAVWAR and PNT systems that will ensure our dominance in space warfare. Your work will collaborate with a team of passionate problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and directly impact national security and help shape the future of space operations for defense, civil, and commercial customers. Through partnerships with government officials, this role defines critical analytic problems and tasks, and will guide the development of NAVWAR and PNT Force Design products. This position will leverage your understanding of NAVWAR and PNT systems to develop high-level requirements and concepts for future architectures. As we shape the battlefield of tomorrow, this role will contribute directly to designing resilient and effective solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Guide the SWAC’s Government leadership, providing expert advice on technical approaches, force design, systems engineering, and mission architectures for both space and ground-based operations.
• Spearhead the development of future space architectures, designing resilient and effective solutions to operate in a highly contested operational environment
• Lead analytical efforts that define the battlefield of tomorrow, developing comprehensive analytic plans, identifying critical tasks, and guiding studies to shape the future of space warfighting.
• Collaborate with a diverse team across multiple classifications, engaging with interagency, military, and civilian communities – including key organizations like Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Development Agency (SDA), US Space Command (USSC) and other Combatant Commands.
• Leverage Aerospace’s vast resources to tap into a wealth of expertise, solving complex customer challenges and delivering impactful solutions.
• Make a tangible impact by communicating your findings to senior leadership at Aerospace and the government, ensuring your work directly influences national security strategy.
• This role demands strong leadership, technical acumen, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of space warfare.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer - Enterprise Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related technical field from a recognized institution.
• 12 or more years of progressively more responsible technical experience with space sensing systems development and acquisition, analysis, operations and/or program management.
• Expertise with space NAVWAR / PNT systems and architectures. Ability to collaborate with thought leaders in GPS and PNT community.
• Ability to independently work and thrive in a fast-paced & dynamic environment working on complex problems, including tailoring and using cutting edge analysis tools.
• Ability to work effectively with integrated Government, FFRDC, UARC, and SETA teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Willing to travel occasionally approx. 20% (as required)
• This position requires an active Top Secret clearance with eligibility for SCI and SAP/SAR clearances, which are issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Applicant must be willing to take a US government administered polygraph test.

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree in engineering, physics, or other technical sciences from a recognized institution.
• Over 10 years of modeling, simulation, and analysis experience, with a strong background in space systems technologies, space architectural concepts or joint warfighting operations.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with creating, supporting and/or leading technical studies teams examining topics of national significance including tasking and managing matrixed technical resources.
• Direct experience with NAVWAR and PNT mission areas and systems.
• Demonstrated success in directly interfacing with senior government leadership of varying backgrounds.
• Experience with digital engineering and/or agile approaches to analysis and development activities.
• Extensive experience with one or more space system development program offices.
• Experience developing space mission architectures.
• Experience working with the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, Space Security and Defense Program, US Space Force, or US Space Command.

(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