Project Engineer

The Horizon 2 program is looking for you, a talented Project Engineer with engineering and program management experience to support the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP) in El Segundo, CA, as a liaison between the SSDP and the Space Systems Command (SSC).

You will support the SSDP West Office with space related program management, program support, technical review, and integration of SSDP efforts. The SSDP West Office is tasked with integrating SSC's programs into analytical force designs and transitioning those force designs into acquisition programs at SSC and with other mission partners. They are also responsible for performing liaison functions across Title 10 and Title 50 joint departmental organizations as well as the interagency. This position requires regular and independent interaction with senior military and governmental leaders, government project leads, multiple contractors, FFRDCs, UARCs, customers, and partners at all classification levels.

Fun stuff you will do on the job:

• Assist the Government with management of multiple simultaneous projects from initiation through completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
• Facilitate development of plans, requirements, and documentation to define project tasks including objectives, scope, and milestones in coordination with stakeholders.
• Support the government with coordination and management of security activities across the DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) for integrated analysis.
• Manage contractor task allocations, maintaining records of assignments, progress, and completion.
• Monitor analysis efforts across multiple contractor-led developments, tracking task execution and progress, ensuring adherence to established timelines and standards.
• Provide updates on project execution, milestones, delays, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Track deliverables and ensure they go through appropriate review and approval processes.
• Establish, maintain, and ensure accountability for project deadlines.
• Produce recommendations to enhance and optimize project execution.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead project update meetings for senior leadership.
• Schedule, organize, and facilitate reviews and meetings.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project requirements are met.

This is you:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM program with 14 years of experience. 
• 10+ years in a program management role, or, 5+ years in a space engineering role with 5+ additional years in a program management role.
• Managing multiple contractors and customers, including engagement with Government SETA/FFRDC/UARC support.
• Classified space programs, preferably both at the Top Secret and compartmented access to inform integrated analysis, effectiveness, and utility.
• Development and presentations to O-6 and above Govt leadership decision quality briefings and papers.
• Problem solving/critical thinking in complex and dynamic environments.
• Collaborating with IC professionals and understanding IC tasking mechanisms.
• Outer space environment, spacecraft operations, counterspace threats, space control systems.
• Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrolled in the Continuous Evaluation program (if applicable).
• Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information and other compartments; willing to consent to a Polygraph examination.

You will wow us even more if you have these skills:

• Experience with spacecraft engineering and design, orbital dynamics, statistical experiment design, data analysis, modeling and simulation, analytics, information system infrastructure configuration, cost/schedule analysis, weaponeering, wargaming, artificial neural networks and machine learning, MBSE, computer programming, and data governance.
• Established relationships with the following organizations:
  • COCOMS (INDOPACOM, USSPACECOM, etc.).
  • Space Intelligence Community Organizations (IC).
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
  • Space Rapid Capabilities Program Office (SpRCO).
  • Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
  • Pentagon & Headquarters Staff (AQ, SQ, J-Dirs, GOs, PSMs, PEMs, etc.)
• Professional certification (e.g., Professional Engineer, INCOSE CSEP, ITEA CTEP, Agile PM/PO, etc.).