Software Systems Engineer

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 Software Implementation and Integration Department (SIID) specializes in transforming these advanced technologies into operational reality for our customers. Our team focuses on the practical integration of AI, cloud-native services, and data platforms, ensuring seamless interoperability across complex enterprise environments. We employ modern integration patterns, and automated deployment pipelines to bridge the gap between innovative solutions and mission-critical systems. By concentrating on implementation excellence and system integration, we enable rapid technology adoption while maintaining the security, reliability, and performance standards for our customer’s demand.

Do cool work that matters in an industry that’s booming! We are looking for a Software Systems Engineer to join our growing Software Integration and Implementation Department. Our customers in the Space Force, Air Force, NASA, NOAA, other federal agencies, and commercial industry need your help to acquire cutting-edge software capabilities to chase the future!

Work Model

• This is a full-time position located at Chantilly, VA and requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead Software Development teams across the corporation to develop cross-domain space solutions
• Develop software in a modern language to support space, ground, and launch systems in the national security, civil, and commercial domains
• Leverage your software engineering skills to solve complex problems in various software systems domains
• Identify exciting opportunities for adopting new technologies, such as AI, to solve existing needs and predict future challenges
• Drive positive change by introducing new perspectives, challenge established practices, and foster a culture of innovation within the team
• Operate strategically through engaging with customers in leveraging the latest technology that provides innovative solutions to their challenging problems in the space arena
• Learn and grow through new work opportunities, training, and mentorship from experienced staff

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Systems Software Engineering and Cloud Computing Architecture

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, with emphasis in computer science, software engineering, computer or information systems, management sciences, or closely related technical discipline
• 6 or more years of professional software engineering experience
• Hands-on experience in the development of complex, software-reliant systems.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and team collaborative development using Atlassian tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, BitBucket, SourceTree, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability in coding and scripting with languages with at least two different programming languages (e.g. Java, C/C++.)
• Hands-on experience with Linux environments
• Willingness to travel approx. 10% domestically (customer sites, locations, etc)
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US 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 in STEM with an emphasis in Computer Science or other sciences/engineering discipline.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in AI/LLM
• Experience using collaborative source code management (Git, Subversion), IaaC, and DevSecOps
• Proven experience with Windows and Linux Development Environments

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)

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00Pay 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.