Senior Space System Architect Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Lead architect studies for complex system concepts with Aerospace's engineering teams. Collaborate with program offices and customers to develop technical solutions addressing user requirements.

Posted 6/11/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California, Colorado, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $117,300 - $226,900 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and participate in architecture studies of complex system concepts, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, supporting problem framing, gap analysis, and trade space assessment
Work with Aerospace program office, customer, and contractor personnel as a technical subject matter expert to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; mentor junior staff; support the scoping, planning, and execution of the study; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports
Define system capabilities, system of systems interfaces, and requirements for space and intersegment system architectures to address user needs and perspectives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science degree engineering, science, or a related technical field
At least 8 years of engineering experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains
Proficiency in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with teams, customers, Aerospace program offices, and contractors; to collaborate with other functional organizations within Aerospace; and to mentor and develop junior staff
Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and schedule commitments
Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10%
A current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
A minimum of 12 years of substantive experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains (for Sr. Engineering Specialist)
Ability to identify problem space, assess trade options, and independently formulate courses of action
Experience initiating and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to plan and execute projects or studies
Experience developing and presenting strategic decision-making and strategic communications artifacts for senior-level management and technical architecture design artifacts for engineering-level reviews
Ability to collaborate with employees, customers, acquisition program offices, and contractors

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

system architectingsystems engineeringconcept designmodel-based systems engineeringgap analysistrade space assessmentsystem capabilities definitionsystem of systems interfacesrequirements analysis

Soft Skills

oral communicationwritten communicationinterpersonal skillsteam collaborationmentoringtime managementproject managementproblem-solvingstrategic decision-making

Certifications

Top Secret/SCI security clearance