Payload & Mission Engineer – SDA Tracking Architecture

The Aerospace Corporation

Payload and Mission Engineer advancing Aerospace Corporation’s missile-warning and tracking architectures. Supporting SDA acquisition, modeling, integration, and warfighter capability delivery.

Posted 9/3/2026full-timeChantilly • Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Utah, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $166,400 - $249,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense systems, with a strong focus on space architecture development and integration. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence outcomes through data-driven analysis while effectively communicating complex technical concepts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Missile Warning, Tracking, And Defense (MWTD) SystemsSpace Architecture DevelopmentTechnical LeadershipData-Driven AnalysisTS/SCI Clearance

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Architectural ModelingRequirements DefinitionPerformance AssessmentSignal ProcessingData Fusion TechniquesModeling And Simulation ToolsSpace-Based Tracking SystemsInter-Satellite LinksAgile FrameworksProliferated LEO Constellations

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationVerbal CommunicationTeam LeadershipCustomer EngagementMentoring

Tools & Technologies

STKEADSIMAFSIMMission Analysis Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Current TS/SCI Clearance

Industry Keywords

DoDAerospace EngineeringRapid Acquisition ApproachesJADC2 IntegrationSDA Tracking Architecture

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead mission architecture development for DoD space-based missile warning and tracking systems
Support the SDA Tracking Cell Director and Tracking Tranche Program Managers in delivering warfighter capabilities
Advise SDA senior leadership on space architecture investment decisions
Provide Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense technical leadership across all tranches
Perform architectural modeling, requirements definition, acquisition support, enterprise stakeholder coordination, partner system integration, and warfighter requirements alignment
Engage with SDA leaders, FFRDCs, SETAs, UARC personnel, DoD stakeholders, and industry partners
Guide contract execution, performance assessments, technical trades, on-orbit operations planning, space and ground system integration, technology roadmaps, and future tranche requirements
Direct technical teams conducting Tracking modeling, simulation, and analysis
Monitor contractor execution and provide systems engineering and subject-matter-expert support
Oversee analysis of operational capabilities for missile defense scenarios
Support the full mission lifecycle from requirements definition and contractor oversight through on-orbit testing and operational integration

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering, math, computer science, physics, or other related discipline
12+ years of progressive engineering experience in space systems, with demonstrated growth in technical leadership and program influence
Relevant, progressive experience in Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) space vehicle development, test, and/or space-to-ground system integration
Proven ability to lead cross-functional high-performance teams in fast-paced environments, working effectively across the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group matrix and other program offices
Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes through data-driven analysis while building and maintaining substantive rapport with Aerospace peers and government customers
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizing complex technical concepts clearly and building consensus through persuasive, polished professional communication
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time
Current and active TS/SCI clearance
US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in engineering, math, computer science, physics, or related discipline
12+ years of specialized experience in MWTD systems, architectures, operations, data processing, and performance assessment
Experience with missile defense sensors and space-based tracking systems, such as space-based infrared systems (SBIRS/OPIR/API), or familiarity with related EO/IR sensor phenomenology, tracking algorithms, or mission analysis tools
Background in signal processing, data fusion techniques, or modeling and simulation tools (e.g., STK, EADSIM, AFSIM, or similar)
Experience with space architecture concepts such as proliferated LEO constellations, inter-satellite links, mesh networks, or JADC2 integration, and/or familiarity with MDA/BMDS architectures
Exposure to or experience with rapid acquisition approaches, including agile frameworks, MTA authorities, OTA contracting, or programs like SpRCO, DIU, or similar organizations
Leadership and customer engagement, including mentoring engineers and delivering comprehensive assessment products to senior stakeholders
Multidisciplinary space enterprise knowledge spanning DoD, IC, Civil, and Commercial missions, technologies, and operations, with direct SDA experience and familiarity with SDA Tracking architecture, functional cells, and leadership interactions highly valued

Benefits

Comp & perks

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