Space Network Systems Architect

Employer description

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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Aerospace Corporation’s Network Systems Department (NSD) is seeking an innovative Space Network Systems Architect with a strong background in networking architecture and design.  Candidate will be leading the development of future network concepts in space and its connectivity to ground entry points.  Analysis of network architectures to validate successful fulfillment of customer requirements, prototyping certain segments of the network to verify data throughput resiliency, and performing network trade studies to compare routing protocol performance.  Candidates will also be expected to prepare technology demonstrations to optimize the overall performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based communication systems. Support of future optical communication networking testbeds that require configuration of end-point networking hardware and connectivity with AWS VPC Cloud formation templates. A qualified candidate will possess a good understanding of the latest networking and enterprise computing technologies, and the ability to apply that knowledge to solve the toughest problems for our customers.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead and participate in multi-disciplinary engineering teams in the development and analysis of future network architectures, also assist in defining future requirements to achieve mission successDirect development and implementation of advanced network protocols, routing, and QoS algorithms and architecturesRun and distribute tasking for various systems engineering tasks and projects through systems architecture definition, development, analysis, modeling & simulation, and prototype development/validationEvaluate and develop novel communication engineering technologiesAnalyze and simulate complex network architectures and protocolsProvide independent technical leadership, mentorship and direction to less experienced staffPrepare technical documentation for meetings with DoD, IC, and Civil & Commercial customers.  Also working closely with members of a diverse teams, comprising of military officers, government civilians, prime contractors, SE&I contractors and other FFRDCsLead specialized technical studies and internal research and development projects to develop the next generation of Space and Ground network concepts, architectures, and technologiesSupport sustainment and development of core network simulation, emulation, and modeling capabilitiesIdentify and develop new business opportunities with current and new customers 

What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplineEight or more years of related experience with a strong capability of designing network topology/architecture for ground-based and satellite networksStrong understanding of network layers, protocols, and routing algorithmsExperience in network design, analysis, and some modeling & simulationTrack record in virtualization and enterprise computing platformsFamiliar with the latest networking/computing trends and technologiesCapability to travel to support customers at various locationsAbility to obtain and maintain a US TS/SCI 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:

Advanced technical degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another related disciplineCurrent CCIE or CCNP Cisco CertificationExperience utilizing Python, MATLAB, and/or  C/C++Strong expertise in Azure, AWS, VPC Security, Cloud Formation TemplatesExperience with military and commercial satellite communication systems and network engineeringExperience with inter-satellite cross-links and laser optical communication technologiesProject development experience and demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teamsIn-depth understanding of emerging communication and network technologies (5G, IoT, IoST)Current and active U.S. Government issued DOD - Secret Clearance or higher

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)

$129,000.00 - $193,500.00

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 StrategicallyLead 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.