The Aerospace Corporation

Solution Accelerator Systems Lead

El Segundo, CA
Full-time
$120,800.00 - $223,900.00
Posted Nov 6, 2026

Skills

Agile
Leadership
Operations
Problem Solving
SAP
Systems Engineering
Wireframing

Job description

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 Solution Accelerator is a transformative initiative within the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO). Its mission is to deliver independent, innovative solutions to customer hard problems with speed and national impact. The Solution Accelerator will achieve these goals through proactive problem solving, risk-taking for breakthroughs, and agile operations. By bringing the unique capabilities of the Aerospace Corporation, Solution Accelerator can anticipate and respond to mission challenges across the space enterprise to create actionable results for customers.

As the Solution Accelerator Systems Lead (Project Leader / Senior Project Leader - Engineering Program Management ), you will lead studies and use your deep technical expertise and thought leadership to identify and design cutting-edge innovation for our nation’s hardest customer problems. You will play a key role in exploring challenges in the space enterprise and formulating transformative solutions for development and delivery to customers. You will interface directly with government and senior internal Aerospace stakeholders, and contribute hands-on expertise to the innovation activities of the organization.

What You'll Be Doing

•Partner with Solution Accelerator leadership and project teams to lead technical solutions to threat and mission needs with speed and national impact, serving as a technical authority

•Develop clearly scoped Problem Statements by analyzing customer and Aerospace strategic priorities, root cause issues, and hardest problems; research internal and external solution landscapes to identify unique high-value opportunities for Aerospace

•Lead conceptual design studies, evaluate proposed solutions, develop tools and models, and participate in rapid prototyping to support research, development, and programmatic decisions for internal and external customers

•Design, plan, implement, coordinate, and track programs, subsystems, and initiatives from inception through completion, typically owning a specific project element, engineering discipline, or program/system aspect that crosses technical boundaries

•Independently manage multiple project segments or smaller program/project efforts as a systems engineer

•Serve as primary customer contact, interfacing between customers and Aerospace technical/management staff to lead discussions on cost, schedule, and technical performance, and bringing clarity to complex space enterprise challenges

•Lead project proposals, business plans, work statements, specifications, and operating budgets/financial terms

•Lead technical efforts and project teams, direct the work of assigned staff across technical, manufacturing, commercial, and administrative areas, and mentor less experienced staff as a role model within a highly empowered team environment

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Leader:

•Bachelor's degree in an appropriate technical discipline from a recognized institution

•Experience working in a space-related technical area (e.g., satellite or instrument fabrication, integration, test, launch, operations; ground-based SOSI; etc.)

•8 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or program management environment

•Willingness to occasionally travel in support of thought leadership and customer engagement, approximately 20% (as required)

•Active TS/SCI and the ability to obtain SAP accesses, which are issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to all qualifications listed above, minimum requirements for the Senior Project Leader role are:

•Demonstrated ability to independently conduct long-range technical studies and report findings; initiates studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions within area of expertise

•Proven experience providing ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors in area of specialization

•Demonstrated initiative in informing management of perceived technical problems and recommending courses of action

•Demonstrated ability to bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources

•Experience acting as an organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia

How You Can Stand Out

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

•Graduate degree in an appropriate technical discipline from a recognized institution

•Demonstrated experience working within multi-disciplinary teams in research, development, and innovation projects

•Experience in space system acquisition and/or the operational use of space systems for civil, commercial, or DoD missions

•Strong multi-disciplinary technical background that demonstrates an ability to integrate diverse technical considerations into problem solving

•Experience working at or with senior levels in government

•Experience supporting budget execution for projects delivering impactful designs/prototypes to multiple internal and external customers

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)

$120,800.00 - $223,900.00

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 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 .