Senior Space Domain Awareness Project Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Provide Space Domain Awareness (SDA) system architecture expertise to customers and engineering teams .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $166,400 - $249,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) system architecture and the DoD acquisition lifecycle, with a strong ability to manage complex engineering challenges and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Proven skills in balancing systems engineering with agile development practices to meet mission needs within cost and schedule constraints.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Space Domain Awareness (SDA) System ArchitectureDoD Acquisition LifecycleSDA Optical or RF SensorsAgile Development PracticesTechnical Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

SDA System Architecture ExpertiseGround-Based SDA SensorsMission Processing SystemsTechnical Work in SDA SensorsComplex Engineering ChallengesRequirements ManagementPrioritization of TasksCost and Schedule ManagementOrganizational Ambiguity NavigationSDA Key Requirements/Interfaces

Soft Skills

CollaborationInfluencing StakeholdersVerbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationIndependent Work

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in STEMTS/SCI Government Clearance

Industry Keywords

Space Domain AwarenessAerospace EngineeringGovernment ContractingMission Delta NeedsSDA Portfolio Systems

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide Space Domain Awareness (SDA) system architecture expertise to customers and engineering teams
Support acquisition and sustainment activities for the SDA enterprise, including Ground-Based SDA Sensors and Mission Processing systems
Perform hands-on technical work in SDA sensors and SDA mission processing/platform systems
Collaborate with outside organizations and Aerospace, government, and contractor engineering teams
Influence government and contractor stakeholders to advance proposed capabilities
Ensure portfolio systems meet Mission Delta needs
Propose new capabilities to fill critical gaps
Work directly with contractors to prioritize work according to customer needs
Manage and reconcile conflicting requirements
Balance systems engineering with agile development practices
Develop strategies to meet mission needs within cost and schedule constraints

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or equivalent
12 or more years of experience in a relevant technical field with some experience related to SDA optical or RF sensors and/or software processing systems
Proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively
Working understanding of the SDA architecture and key requirements/interfaces
Experience dealing with organizational ambiguity
Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment
Superior verbal and written communication skills
Experience working through complex engineering challenges which have both technical and political contributions
Substantive experience with the DoD acquisition lifecycle and processes
Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 10-20%
Ability to obtain a TS/SCI government clearance; US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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