Demo

Software Architect - Mission Systems

The Aerospace Corporation
El Segundo, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/6/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/5/2026
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. Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our IC, DoD, and civilian customers.  This is a technical leadership position that plays essential role in influencing the state of software architecture and software engineering practice.   The Software Architecture and Engineering Department is seeking a Software Architect – Mission Systems with a range of large-scale software systems expertise that includes knowledge and experience in space systems engineering, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing and mission-specific applications.   This role will include leadership of and collaboration with technical staff to develop, field and advise on innovative software-enabled flight and ground segment solutions to meet the dynamic mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.    This is a full-time 100% on site position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA  What You’ll Be Doing  Leading software development and architecture support for backend and frontend ground systems services  Developing architectural concepts and software engineering approaches to develop ground systems for customer programs    Providing space mission and ground software expertise in mission planning and scheduling software; Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) systems, flight dynamic software, mission data processing  Evaluating and advising on cloud and computing infrastructure to include virtualization, containerization and edge computing  Leveraging networking and communications technical domain experts across the company  Leveraging cybersecurity and compliance technical domain experts across the company  Leveraging data processing and AI/ML technical domain experts across the company  Providing guidance and expertise in DevSecOps, and automation  Leading and participating in conceptual and preliminary design studies and trades of ground systems, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams   Evaluating ground system software architecture and design concepts by participating in technology working groups, reviewing and evaluating contractor submitted designs and identifying and mitigating software risks  Working with contractor, Government, Aerospace technical experts, SETAs and other FFRDC personnel   Mentoring junior members of the department.    What You Need to be Successful -   Minimum Requirements: Engineering specialist - Software Architecture Engineering and Cloud Computing Architecture  B.S. in  computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering  or related  STEM discipline  8 years of relevant experience in software architecture, design and development for both on-prem and cloud computing.   Proven track record of leading, developing and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams   A strong knowledge of ground systems, spacecraft systems, and software systems engineering principles   Experience with hardware control systems, and FPGA design and programming Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure   Demonstrated experience in developing ground systems software concepts   Demonstrated experience with software standards, software process approaches (e.g., waterfall, agile)  Demonstrated experience in mission control and mission processing systems for space systems, cloud computing and cybersecurity compliance  Proficiency in simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C , SolidWorks   Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct technical studies for geographically dispersed programs   Willing to travel domestically if needed  This position requires the ability to obtain a secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist -Software Architecture Engineering and Cloud Computing Architecture   include:  10-12 years of relevant experience in leading software architecture, design and  development and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams   Hands on knowledge  in simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C , SolidWorks    Communication and technical leadership abilities, capable of translating mission and business needs into architectural strategies.     How You Can Stand Out  It would be impressive if you have one or more of the following:  Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a STEM degree or related technical discipline.   Experience with dedicated on-premises computer hardware.  Experience with one or more cloud service providers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle  Experience with antenna, hardware etc. related to ground entry points   Experience with one or more mission-specific data processing  Experience with communications and networking   Experience with data center design and operations   Experience with network maintenance, load balancing, data coordination   Experience engaging with both government and contractor counterparts   Broad experience spanning systems engineering, hardware and software development, integration and deployment including satellites, ground stations and terminals  Experience designing and implementing simulations for physical models that include space and ground assets and systems Experience with government acquisition processes    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 - $249,600 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. Right Place The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges. Right Path Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development. Right Purpose We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it. Return to the Aerospace Careers site. Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.

Salary : $129,000 - $249,600

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