Senior Software Systems Acquisition Engineer

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.
Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.
Do cool work that matters in an industry that's booming! We are looking for a Senior Software Systems Acquisition Engineer (Software Architecture Engineering and Systems Software Engineering) to join our growing Software Systems and Acquisition Department. Our customers in the Space Force, Air Force, NASA, NOAA, other federal agencies, and commercial industry need your help to acquire cutting-edge software capabilities to chase the future!
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, Va, offering a hybrid work model that combines 4-5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Be the go-to person in providing software systems engineering expertise to support effective acquisition of software-reliant systems from pre-acquisition planning through source selection, development, integration and test, and deployment
• Work shoulder-to-shoulder with customers and contractors to shape and execute software specifics in complex acquisition programs
• Provide expertise in rapid iterative and incremental software development approaches (such as Agile, Scrum, Scaled Agile Framework, Lean Software Development, and/or DevSecOps) and assist customers in applying these techniques toward mission success
• Lead engineering analyses and studies such as software requirements development and flow; verification and validation approaches; readiness reviews; risk management; technology planning and insertion; performance assessments; and/or market research
• Develop and validate detailed models employing MBSE and/or digital engineering approaches
• Create enterprise software strategies and architectures
• Research challenge problems, test hypotheses, innovate new approaches and tools, and/or prove concepts
• Mentor junior staff as you grow your own career

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM, emphasis in computer science, software engineering, computer or information systems, management sciences, or closely related technical discipline
• 12 years of professional software engineering experience
• Hands-on experience in the development of complex, and software-reliant systems.
• Experience using Agile/DevSecOps software development or Agile project management
• Proven ability to take initiative and successfully complete tasks, lead complex technical projects, and collaborate effectively.
• Willingness to travel overnight domestically approx. 10-20% if needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Active or recent SSBI and ability to obtain and maintain SCI access
• Advanced degree in STEM
• Experience in at least one of the following: federal government acquisition programs, MBSE/digital engineering, software reliability, software processes/metrics/quality, software process improvement
• Current certification in one or more relevant technologies (e.g., Scrum Master, Product Owner, Scaled Agile Framework, cloud architect, etc.) with corresponding experience
• Familiarity with space acquisition policies, space systems, and/or advanced space technologies
• Experience developing or validating software cost estimates
• PMP, DAWIA Program Manager Level II or III, or other relevant acquisition certifications

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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.