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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
The GEOINT Innovations Office (GIO), part of the National Systems Group's Imagery Programs Division, advises the government on future architecture, research, technology development, and commercial data acquisition. The Future Architectures Department seeks a Space-Based Radar System Architect to use modeling, simulation, image processing and mission expertise to shape GEOINT solutions. As integration leader for a multi-disciplinary technical team, you will help Government customers define future Radar architecture, advance capabilities, and develop CONOPs, directly influencing budget and acquisition decisions for next-generation GEOINT space systems. You will serve as spokesperson to Aerospace management, Government customers, and contractors on technical and programmatic risks. As a Senior Project Leader, you'll work across organizational boundaries, secure technical support from corporate resources, and bring in new tasks and projects to expand the program's impact.
This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VA.
What You'll Be Doing
Lead and coordinate Engineering Matrix domain experts to perform payload, vehicle, and constellation-level design trades, evaluating future GEOINT architectures for performance, requirements satisfaction, and mission utility
Review contractor proposals and independently assess system capabilities against user needs, identifying risks and opportunities for the Government
Serve as working group spokesperson, communicating technical and programmatic issues and recommendations to Aerospace management, Government customers, and contractors
Respond to urgent technical inquiries from NRO, NGA, ODNI, DoW, NRO Leadership, and Congress
Provide daily oversight of task execution and budgets, communicating status and findings to customers and management
Secure technical support from corporate resources to meet mission objectives
Mentor SETA, Aerospace, and Customer representatives on technical program execution
Identify and pursue new business opportunities and tasks that expand Aerospace's GEOINT contributions
Thrive in a fast-paced environment, applying strategy and critical thinking to solve complex technical challenges
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Senior Project Leader - Signal & Image Process Engineering:
Bachelor's OR Advanced degree in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, or related technical discipline
A minimum of 12 years of experience post-bachelor's degree
Technical experience in architecture modeling, orbital mechanics, and space systems
Strong understanding of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems
Familiarity with remote sensing radar or RF mission payloads
Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate multi-disciplinary technical teams, coordinating cross-functional contributors to deliver decision-driving products on large, multi-phase programs
Experience acting as a spokesperson or primary technical liaison between a working group and management/customer stakeholders
Experience monitoring or contributing to budget development and task execution…