IT Infrastructure Systems Architect

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 Digital Innovation Division (DID) is accountable for generating and executing integrated strategies, providing governance, and managing internal investments that form the foundation of Aerospace’s digital innovation and transformation. The DID Mission IT pillar supports engineering teams across Aerospace by delivering top-tier IT engineering and support services tailored to meet the unique needs of our engineering community.  

 

Mission IT Operations focuses on providing the engineering enterprise with an IT infrastructure enabling engineers to concentrate on their core competency without distraction from the infrastructure. Mission IT Operations is looking for an IT Infrastructure Systems Architect (Engineering Specialist). As engineers ourselves, Mission IT Operations closely identifies with our engineering colleagues and implements technically viable IT services and solutions that integrate seamlessly across multiple space engineering disciplines and customer satellite launch operations. 

 

The role of IT Infrastructure Systems Architect is responsible for devising, defining, developing, integrating, and documenting complex IT system architectures designed to support the engineering IT (aka, mission IT) infrastructure. This technical role combines system administration expertise with innovation and architectural design skills to provide production-level infrastructure services in support of satellite, launch, weather modeling and simulation. This position requires hands on troubleshooting across Windows and/or Linux environments, applying problem-solving skills to resolve issues in complex and evolving technical environments. The position maintains cyber protection across the mission IT infrastructure while identifying potential solutions to critical technology challenges. 

 

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA which requires 100% onsite work. 

 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Interfacing with Engineering Technology Group (ETG) departments and program offices interpreting needs into service-oriented requirements 

• Translating internal and external customer needs into service offerings and architectural design patterns 

• Testing system patches against unique, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) configurations, resolving problems, and coordinating installations 

• Integrating IT (SW and HW) services across mission enterprise 

• Implementing mission-focused services 

• Maintaining operations of platform services and software services in support of unique engineering system environments (i.e., HIL, raspberry pi, etc.) Providing Tier 3 administration on unique engineering system configurations (i.e., HIL, raspberry pi, etc.) 

• Representing internal (ETG and program office) customers as a liaison with service providers

 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for IT Infrastructure Systems Architect. 

• Bachelor’s degree in technology-related discipline (i.e., Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, etc.) 

• Eight (8) years of experience in IT Systems Administration, IT Infrastructure, and/or IT Systems Architecture 

• Demonstrated expertise in Windows and/or Linux 

• Strong analytical, problem solving, and advanced trouble shooting skills across an enterprise IT environment. 

• Proven ability designing and integrating patch management strategies with compliance requirements 

• Experience integrating security principles into IT architecture (i.e., Zero-Trust Architecture, firewalls, network segmentation, compliance testing, etc.) 

• This position requires ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. The position has the potential of TS/SCI submission and polygraph. 

 

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Master’s or PhD degree in IT-related discipline (i.e., Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Technology Management, etc.) 

• Experience with virtualization (i.e., VMWare, Hyper-V, Xen, KVM, etc.) 

• Knowledge of “cloud native” technologies (CNCF Kubernetes, RedHat OpenShift, SUSE Rancher, etc.) 

• Knowledge certification in one or more commercial cloud technologies (i.e., AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.) 

• Experience configuring a software-defined network (SDN) or software-defined access (SDA) 

• Cybersecurity certifications (i.e., CompTIA A+, Cisco’s CCNA 

• Experience with workflow automation and understanding of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) concepts and security checks 

• Understanding of ITIL® framework 

 

 

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 - $175,900.00

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, in