June 24, 2026

Communication and Ground Architecture Performance Manager

The Aerospace Corporation Colorado Springs, Colorado $147,600–$221,400 a year

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Communication and Ground Architectures Performance Department (CGAPD) within the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) delivers modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) solutions that help shape how the nation’s most critical space communication and ground systems are designed, acquired, and evolved. Our modeling and performance assessments around communication architectures, networks, and mission management strategies directly inform and influence decisions for multiple customers including USAF/USSF, the Intelligence Community, and other government customers.

Work Model

This full-time position requires at least 4 days/week of onsite work in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, COS, or El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

Design and cultivate a strategic vision for your mission area and foster business development across multidisciplinary tool portfolios Build and lead teams of analysts, coordinating complex technical tasks among team members, translating customer needs into tasks for analysts and developers, and reviewing work products for quality and accuracy Manage the team through effective workload management, performance management, staff engagement, and coordination of department logistics Lead recruitment, hiring, mentoring efforts to build a highly skilled team for the organization Mentor and coach team members to support their professional development in leadership and core technical skillsets Proactively partner with other internal departments and teams to develop end-to-end modeling and simulation solutions Build and nurture strong relationships with customers to foster solutions for both new and existing challenges Guide the development and modernization of M&S capabilities through strategic planning and resource management

What You Need To Be Successful

Minimum Requirements: 

B.S degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, operations research, systems engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline from an accredited school 6+ years of relevant and progressive professional experience in communication and ground architecture performance (e.g. coverage and capacity assessments, architecture trade studies, end-to-end architecture evaluations), network modeling (e.g. topology design and optimization, throughput/latency analysis, network resilience), or scheduling and mission management (e.g. satellite collection/contact scheduling, resource allocation, CONOPS development) Demonstrated experience leading analysis teams, coordinating complex technical tasks among team members, and translating customer needs into viable instructions for analysts  Proficiency with one or more software languages that may include Python, C++, or MATLAB Willingness and ability to travel domestically, less than 10% time This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the U.S. 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:

Graduate degree in one of the fields of study mentioned above Knowledge of Intelligence Community or US Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios Experience working in partnership with multiple Aerospace program offices, Aerospace technical experts, and customers Exceptional time management and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to balance multiple priorities and maintain schedules while fostering productive work relationships Prior management or leadership experience in hiring, mentoring, training, or development of personnel Proven aptitude for fostering collaborative environments across organizational boundaries Experience in identifying, prioritizing, and resolving technical and/or personnel issues Experience in developing or leveraging analysis software that integrates computational techniques with department functions

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)

$147,600.00 - $221,400.00

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 StrategicallyLead 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 plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(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 hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsAn 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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