Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Systems 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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

The Aerospace Corporation is looking for a Systems Engineer (Project Engineer – Systems Engineering). In this role, you will support NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program within the Commercialization, Innovation, and Synergies (CIS) Office at NASA Headquarters. You will provide independent systems engineering, architecture analysis, acquisition support, and strategic technical guidance across SCaN commercialization campaigns, early-phase studies, and stakeholder integration activities. You will work directly with NASA civil servants, industry partners, and international stakeholders to inform future communications and navigation architectures spanning lunar, cislunar, and deep space missions. 

This position supports a high-visibility HQ Task Order and requires strong technical judgment, clear communication skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, mission-focused environment. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at Goddard Spaceflight Center, Greenbelt, MD. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide systems engineering and technical integration support for SCaN commercialization and innovation initiatives. 

• Support formulation and execution of research and acquisition campaigns, including: 

• Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) 

• Analyses of Alternatives (AoAs) 

• Requests for Information (RFIs) 

• Conduct architecture assessments, trade studies, and technical evaluations for space communications and navigation systems. 

• Evaluate candidate network architectures, system-of-systems concepts, and commercial service models supporting lunar, cislunar, and deep space missions. 

• Support development and assessment of requirements, standards, and technical recommendations across the SCaN enterprise. 

• Provide technical oversight of industry studies, demonstrations, and campaign deliverables. 

• Support industrial base assessments, market research, and engagement with commercial and international partners. 

• Prepare technical briefings, decision packages, and campaign summaries for SCaN and NASA leadership. 

• Support stakeholder engagement activities, working groups, workshops, and interagency coordination. 

• Assist with programmatic metrics, performance tracking, and preparation of monthly status reports. 

• Deliver independent, risk-informed technical advice to support NASA leadership decision-making. 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer- Systems Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline. 

• 6 or more years of professional experience in systems engineering, space communications, navigation systems, mission operations, or related technical fields. 

• Experience with space communication and/or navigation systems, such as satellite ground station operation, RF/optical link budgets development, communication system interface definition, satellite communication CONOPS definition, precision navigation and timing, global navigation satellite systems.

• Experience supporting NASA, DoD, or comparable government space or communications programs. 

• Demonstrated application of systems engineering processes across the lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, trade studies, and technical evaluations. 

• Prior involvement in NASA, government, or FFRDC-supported programs related to SCaN, space communications, navigation, or exploration architectures. 

• Demonstrated technical leadership in architecture trades, acquisition support, or complex systems engineering efforts. 

• Experience working with commercial partners, international collaborators, or cross-agency stakeholders. 

• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts and recommendations to senior technical and programmatic leadership. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills. 

• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and with diverse stakeholders. 

• Willingness to travel occasionally (approximately 10–20%). 

• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a 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

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

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant technical discipline. 

• Experience with lunar, cislunar, or deep space communications and navigation architectures. 

• Familiarity with SCaN networks (e.g., DSN, Near Space Network, commercial services). 

• Experience supporting BAAs, AoAs, RFIs, or other early-phase acquisition and architecture studies. 

• Background in system-of-systems architectures, commercial space services, or industrial base analysis. 

• Experience preparing executive-level briefings and decision support products.     

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 - Max)

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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.