Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The Mission Engineering Research and Operations Support Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Flight Mechanics) will serve as a senior technical authority and team leader for critical mission engineering, space domain awareness, and spacecraft operations projects. This position acts as principal technical representative to customers, coordinates large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines, and leads or organizes interfaces between customers' and Aerospace technical and management staff. The successful candidate will undertake major program segments, lead diverse technical teams, mentor less experienced staff, and demonstrate widely recognized expertise both internally and externally.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead teams that oversee major program segments such as system-level architectural analysis, conceptual design of new vehicles or major payloads, or comprehensive mission architecture development

• Serve as principal technical representative to customer, coordinating efforts on several concurrent projects or major multi-phase/multi-disciplinary initiatives

• As Aerospace representative in customer or contractor environment, provide nondirective advice, accept action items, and coordinate pertinent budgets, tasks, and priorities

• Lead/coordinate teams comprised of diversely skilled engineers servicing major portions of large projects or working across multiple projects

• Interface regularly with customer and contractor program management as senior technical authority

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – Flight Mechanics

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field with 6+ years relevant experience

• Proficiency in one or more languages (Python, MATLAB, and multiple programming languages for complex software development)

• Experience in specialized aerospace engineering tools (STK, GMAT, Orekit) and mission planning/analysis software

• Demonstrated expertise in spacecraft operations, astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and space mission design

• Extensive experience with data pipeline architectures, distributed computing, and big data technologies

• Advanced knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering principles, and model-based systems engineering

• Willing to travel approx. 10-15%

• This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, 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 Project Engineer - Flight Mechanicsinclude :

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field with 10+ years relevant experience

• Proven track record developing innovative analytical techniques and breakthrough technical solutions

• Expert proficiency in one of the following (Python, MATLAB, JAVA, C/C++, and/or other programming languages for complex software development)

• Mastery of specialized aerospace engineering tools (STK, GMAT, Orekit) and mission planning/analysis software

• Deep understanding of space situational awareness architectures, sensor fusion, and space traffic management

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Masters or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field

• Expert proficiency in multiple programming languages (Python, MATLAB, and multiple programming languages for complex software development)

• 10+ years of experience in relevant aerospace engineering or operations experience

• Demonstrated experience leading major program segments or complex multi-disciplinary projects

• Proven track record as principal technical representative to government customers and contractor teams

• Extensive experience coordinating large-scale technical efforts across organizational boundaries

• Experience leading diverse technical teams and interfacing with senior program management

• Demonstrated ability to independently conduct long-range technical studies and drive strategic technical direction

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)

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 .