Payload & Mission Engineer – SDA Tracking Architecture

The Aerospace Corporation

. Lead mission architecture development for advanced space-based missile warning and tracking systems .

Posted 10/19/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $166,400 - $249,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) systems, with a strong focus on space architecture development, systems engineering, and cross-functional team leadership. Proven ability to influence technical decisions and drive innovation in space-based missile tracking capabilities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Missile Warning, Tracking, And Defense (MWTD) SystemsSpace Architecture DevelopmentTechnical LeadershipSystems EngineeringData-Driven Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Space Systems EngineeringRequirements DefinitionPerformance AssessmentModeling And SimulationData ProcessingSignal ProcessingData Fusion TechniquesTracking AlgorithmsMission Analysis ToolsProliferated LEO Constellations

Soft Skills

Excellent Written And Verbal CommunicationTeam LeadershipCustomer EngagementBuilding ConsensusMentoring Engineers

Tools & Technologies

STKEADSIMAFSIMAgile FrameworksMTA AuthoritiesOTA Contracting

Certifications & Qualifications

Current And Active TS/SCI Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringDoDICCivil MissionsCommercial MissionsSDA Tracking ArchitectureInter-Satellite LinksMesh NetworksJADC2 IntegrationRapid Acquisition Approaches

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead mission architecture development for advanced space-based missile warning and tracking systems
Support the SDA Tracking Cell Director and Tracking Tranche Program Managers in delivering warfighter capabilities
Serve as a technical advisor to SDA senior leadership on space architecture investment decisions
Provide MWTD technical leadership across architectural modeling, requirements definition, acquisition support, stakeholder coordination, partner system integration, and warfighter requirements
Drive innovation in proliferated LEO constellation design
Engage with SDA senior leaders, FFRDCs, SETAs, UARC personnel, DoD stakeholders, and industry partners
Guide contract execution, performance assessments, trades, on-orbit operations planning, space and ground system integration, technology roadmaps, and future tranche requirements
Direct technical teams conducting tracking modeling, simulation, and analysis
Monitor contractor execution and provide systems engineering and subject matter expert support
Oversee analysis of operational capabilities for missile defense scenarios
Apply systems engineering across requirements definition, contractor oversight, on-orbit testing, and operational integration

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering, math, computer science, physics, or other related discipline
12+ years of progressive engineering experience in space systems, with demonstrated growth in technical leadership and program influence
Relevant, progressive experience in Missile Warning, Tracking, and Defense (MWTD) space vehicle development, test, and/or space-to-ground system integration
Proven ability to lead cross-functional high-performance teams in fast-paced environments, working effectively across the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group matrix and other program offices
Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes through data-driven analysis while building and maintaining substantive rapport with Aerospace peers and government customers
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizing complex technical concepts clearly and building consensus through persuasive, polished professional communication
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time
Current and active TS/SCI clearance
US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in engineering, math, computer science, physics, or related discipline
12+ years of specialized experience in MWTD systems, architectures, operations, data processing, and performance assessment
Experience with missile defense sensors and space-based tracking systems, such as space-based infrared systems (SBIRS/OPIR/API), or familiarity with related EO/IR sensor phenomenology, tracking algorithms, or mission analysis tools
Background in signal processing, data fusion techniques, or modeling and simulation tools (e.g., STK, EADSIM, AFSIM, or similar)
Experience with space architecture concepts such as proliferated LEO constellations, inter-satellite links, mesh networks, or JADC2 integration, and/or familiarity with MDA/BMDS architectures
Exposure to or experience with rapid acquisition approaches, including agile frameworks, MTA authorities, OTA contracting, or programs like SpRCO, DIU, or similar organizations
Leadership and customer engagement, including mentoring engineers and delivering comprehensive assessment products to senior stakeholders
Multidisciplinary space enterprise knowledge spanning DoD, IC, Civil, and Commercial missions, technologies, and operations, with direct SDA experience and familiarity with SDA Tracking architecture, functional cells, and leadership interactions highly valued

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