Senior Digital and Systems Engineering Poject Leader

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.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED), part of SED, serves as a strategic partner to government and commercial organizations navigating the digital transformation of systems engineering. Through applied research and development, agile rapid prototyping, objective independent assessments, and expert advisory services, DSED enables customers to successfully institutionalize Digital Systems Engineering (DSE) concepts, methods, practices, and tools throughout their systems acquisition and realization lifecycle. Our comprehensive approach- integrating the three functional pillars of Digital Engineering (DE), Model-Based Engineering (MBE), and Systems Engineering (SE), empowers customers to accelerate innovation, reduce risk, and achieve mission success in increasingly complex space and defense system environments.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Project Leader with a focus on Digital and Systems Engineering to drive the development, execution and management of complex MBSE and DE project portfolios. This role requires a deep understanding of MBSE and DE concepts, methodologies, frameworks, tools, and best practices to enhance the acquisition and realization of space and defense systems encompassing systems architecture, design, analysis, and lifecycle management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in e, project portfolio management, end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle activities, and cross-functional collaboration with Aerospace program offices and Engineering Technology Group (ETG) organizations within a dynamic and innovative environment. 

What You'll Be Doing 

Portfolio Management & Governance

• Develop and maintain MBSE and DE based project portfolio strategic plan comprising portfolio objectives and desired outcomes
• Align portfolio objectives with DSED strategic goals, customer priorities, and organizational digital transformation initiatives
• Establish and maintain portfolio governance frameworks, policies, and standards
  
  

Project Oversight & Performance Management

• Oversee the execution of multiple concurrent MBSE and DE projects throughout their total lifecycle
• Define and monitor project health metrics using KPIs and performance dashboards
• Identify and resolve cross-project dependencies, conflicts, and resource constraints
  
  

Resource Management

• Plan and allocate resources (personnel, engineering tools, infrastructure) across the portfolio
• Balance project demands against resource capacity, skills competency, and capability constraints
• Identify resource skill gaps and training needs for MBSE/DE competencies
  
  

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Build and maintain open communication relationships with portfolio stakeholders, including project sponsors, leadership, and team members
• Provide regular portfolio performance status, challenges, risks, and opportunities
• Manage portfolio stakeholder needs and expectations and resolve conflicting priorities
  
  

Optimization & Innovation

• Identify opportunities for portfolio management improvements and efficiency gains
• Stay current with emerging trends in MBSE/DE concepts, standards, methodologies, and technologies
• Develop and maintain portfolio management playbooks, guidelines, models, patterns for sharing and reuse purposes
  
  

Minimum Requirements

What You Need to Be Successful

• B.S. degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, etc.), Computer Science, or related technical field
• 15 years of experience in three or more systems engineering functional areas (e.g. requirements, architecture, design) with at least 5 years proficiency in MBSE and DE concepts, standards, methods, and practices
• Background in strategic portfolio management, including goal setting and roadmap development
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate DE and MBSE technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Proven ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups including government, SETA, and other FFRDC teams
• Ability to coordinate efforts with other ETG organizations. 
• Demonstrate solid organizational skills and ability to adapt to changing program office sponsor and customer needs
• Strong systems thinking and innovation mindset
• Experience mentoring and coaching project leads and systems engineers
• Willing to travel to customer or contractor site, domestically or internationally
• This position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance 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:

• M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Operations Research, or related technical field
• Hands on systems engineering work experience in the space, defense, or nuclear surety domains
• Familiarity with agile project management using JIRA.
• Knowledge of enterprise and mission engineering principles and practices
• PMI PMP OR INCOSE CSEP/ESEP certification
  
  

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)

$155,900.00 - $233,900.00

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.