Job Abstract

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Do you want to make an impact in position, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies, and help to ensure reliable, resilient and robust user access to navigation systems? If so, join our department of dedicated and passionate PNT analysis leaders at Aerospace! Help us coach and mentor our team members to bring their performance up to the next level.

You will lead a team in developing new capability and providing subject matter expertise in the Navigation and Positioning Systems Department (NPSD). NPSD's strategic vision is to serve as a community of excellence in the development and advancement of PNT technologies for the national security space and civil/commercial space enterprises. Our mission is to develop, apply, and deliver high-fidelity PNT modeling, simulation, and performance analysis capabilities, and provide technical counsel across the domains of launch, space, ground, and user systems.

Work Model: This is a full-time, on-site position in either Chantilly, VA, or El Segundo, CA, with occasional telecommuting opportunities based on the needs and priorities of the organization.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage seven to ten engineers, scientists and interns responsible for the modeling and simulation of navigation systems to support orbital dynamics and prediction, proximity operations, formation-flying, geolocation, performance, coverage, and resilience analysis for PNT systems in support of NSG, SSG, DSG, and CSG program offices, and internal corporate initiatives.

• Work in coordination with department director and other SAS department managers in all aspects of developing a high performing organization of navigation system analysts in a diverse and inclusive environment.

• Provide technical and management leadership in the design, development, and validation of high-fidelity/high-accuracy navigation and orbit determination systems.

• Work with a variety of sensor technologies, from ground-based ranging, Doppler and optical systems to autonomous systems employing a variety of navigational aids and signals of opportunity.

• Direct and coordinate navigation analyses for ground, aviation, maritime, and orbit applications to include mission design, mission data processing, covariance analyses, autonomous navigation, Monte Carlo simulation, and processing algorithm development.

• Support the department and section in activities such as business management, hiring, development and mentoring of staff, and interact with, customer, contractor, and Aerospace groups towards excellence and furtherance of our mission.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Advanced degree in mathematics, aerospace engineering, physics, geodesy, computer science, or equivalent

• Minimum of eight years of related experience, including three years of direct applicable technical experience, ideally in navigation and space-related systems

• Familiarity with principles of orbit determination, estimation theory, Kalman Filters, space service volume, signal processing, orbit management systems, and geodesy

• Experience working with program office personnel representing NSG, SSG, DSG, and CSG systems.

• Demonstrated ability to initiate and complete projects/assignments, learn new technical approaches, lead technical efforts, and interact with a broad range of organizations.

• Assist the NPSD director in establishing and guiding the vision for the department.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

Established expertise in one or more of the following areas, with preference given to a candidate with multiple proficiencies:

• Statistical Orbit Determination and Estimation Theory

• Trajectory Generation and Optimization

• Navigation Technologies including Geolocation

• System Resilience Analyses

• Geophysics / Space Physics / Geodesy

• Modeling and Simulation Optimization Techniques

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 - Mid - Max)

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.