AI-Enabled Design Lead

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division

leverages

a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process

development

and leadership

expertise ; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model

• This position will follow an in-person work model at
• A erospace’s
• Colorado Springs, CO location.

What

You’ll

Be Doing

Advance the department’s state of the art by leading development and execution of AI-enabled design capabilities
, in
cluding automated workflows and agentic tools

Serve

• as the subdivision focal point for AI-enabled design , investigate
• urgent technical problems , and
• e stablish
• new partnerships across the Engineering and Technology Group
• (ETG)
• and program offices
• to create revolutionary design capabilities
• for our team
• that are both r esponsive and technically rigorous

Drive

• outreach and education of ETG, program offices, customers, and industry on Aerospace AI-enabled design capabilities
• Direct complex technical activities, organize multi- disciplinary
• project teams, and execute a variety of
• space and ground conceptual design
• activities.
• S teer and implement strategy
• in
• vehicle and ground
• conceptual design
• for the
• department . S eek,
• identify , and pursue opportunities for
• additional , expanded, and new business and
• assist
• higher management in the evaluation and pursuit of new opportunities

Lead efforts to

• identify
• and incorporate emerging technologies, commercial capabilities, interoperable solutions, and industry best practices into
• conceptual design s
• for space, ground, and network capabilities

Expand

scope of

VGCD

• relationship with program offices and customer s , such as
• SSIO , SWAC, SSDP ,
• and the IC,
• and leverage department staff
• and
• expertise
• from across ETG
• to
• solve complex customer problems .

Initiate new

• program office relationships
• to collaboratively
• define
• new
• tasking , create implementation plans, and
• identify
• personnel
• to perform the work based on your knowledge of resources and
• expertise
• across the company
• M entor
• early career and experienced
• staff, serving as a role model and
• technical
• advisor to an exceptionally talented and highly motivated cadre of architects, analysts, and modelers
• to
• develop
• department capabilities and meet emerging demand for department
• expertise .

What you

Need

To

Be Successful

Minimum

Requirements

Senior Project Leader – Enterprise Systems Engineering

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field

At least 10 years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments, with a strong command of systems engineering principles

Leadership e

• xperience in
• AI
• capability development ,
• application of AI/ML and automation to
• operational mission execution, and/or AI-enabled design

Experience

• initiating
• and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to
• plan and
• execute projects or studies
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in
• leadership
• briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and schedule commitments

Demonstrated ability to

establish

and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with employees, customers, acquisition program offices, and contractors

Exhibit

• exceptionally
• high level
• of innovation, creativeness, and initiative
• Available and willing to travel domestically and/or 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

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you

have

one or more of these:

• Advanced degree ( Master's
• or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in a relevant engineering discipline
• Demonstrated initiative to innovate, shape, drive, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tasks, projects, or organizations

Experience in

• training,
• mentoring
• and inspiring staff
• Experience working in partnership with multiple Aerospace program offices and customers
• Strong interpersonal networks with Aerospace and customer organizations that can be
• leveraged
• to establish collaborations and obtain sponsorship for projects
• Experience in methods and processes for early life cycle systems engineering, system architecting, and US government system acquisition
• Experience with Intelligence Community systems engineering and programmatic processes, methods, tools, and personnel

Experience with

operational

employment of space capabilities in domain areas such as missile warning
/missile tracking, precision navigation and timing, space-based environmental monitoring,

or space domain awareness

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