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Ffrdc Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

$151K - $226K/yr

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 ...

$117K - $226K/yr

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 ...

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How much do ffrdc jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for ffrdc in Colorado is $46.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.62 and $56.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of teams and collaborative environments can I expect when working at an FFRDC?

Working at an FFRDC means you’ll often be part of multidisciplinary teams that bring together experts from academia, industry, and government agencies. Collaboration is central to the role, with frequent cross-functional meetings, research presentations, and joint problem-solving sessions. Team members work together to address complex technical challenges, support federal missions, and ensure research projects are completed to rigorous standards. You can expect a supportive environment that encourages knowledge-sharing and continuous learning, fostering both individual and collective professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the FFRDC position, and why are they important?

A job at an FFRDC (Federally Funded Research and Development Center) typically requires an advanced degree in a STEM field, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of research methodologies. Familiarity with project management software, data analysis tools, and compliance with federal regulations is often necessary, as are certifications relevant to specialized research areas. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaborative skills help individuals excel when working with interdisciplinary teams and government partners. These qualifications are critical to producing innovative solutions and maintaining high standards of research integrity for the federal clients served by FFRDCs.

What is an FFRDC?

An FFRDC (Federally Funded Research and Development Center) job is a position at a nonprofit organization that conducts research and development for the U.S. government. These centers are sponsored by federal agencies and provide expertise in areas such as defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, and engineering. Employees typically work on long-term government projects without direct commercial competition. FFRDCs are managed by universities, corporations, or nonprofits and offer a mix of public service and advanced research opportunities.

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Infographic showing various Ffrdc job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,678 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Space Control Systems Integration Lead

The Aerospace Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO

$164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technicalexpertiseto the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition,launchand operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

Aerospace is seeking an innovative systems engineer and technical leader to address complex integration challenges for contested space capabilities in support of the Mission Integration Subdivision's Space Control Department. The Space Control Systems Integration Lead will perform Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE) to identify and articulate integration risks, issues, and gaps (RIGs) for space control mission threads. Operating in close collaboration with the Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO) at Space Systems Command (SSC), you'll focus on integrating space domain awareness, operational intelligence, and counter-space operations across the National Security Space Enterprise.

This role requires objectively evaluating integration approaches, collaborating across organizational boundaries, and clearly communicating complex technical issues to diverse stakeholders. Working side-by-side with government counterparts and other FFRDC personnel, you'll coordinate across SSC and mission partner organizations to identify and drive critical RIGs to closure. This unique and highly-visible position will tackle some of the most urgent space control integration challenges facing the USSF, requiring incisive technical analysis and the ability to exert influence.

The selected candidate willbe requiredto work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA or Colorado Springs, CO.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Shape the future of space warfare by solving integration challenges that directly impact U.S. space superiority
  • Perform Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE) toidentifyintegration risks, issues, and gaps
  • Apply innovative analytical approachesandSoSEmethodologiesto uncover integration challenges
  • Work across program, mission, and stakeholder boundaries to champion enterprise perspectives and articulate integration RIGs in Aerospace assessments on program roadmaps and systems engineering artifacts
  • Develop technical guidance and inform technical assessments,leveragingAerospace ETG resources whenappropriate toaugment technical products in support of spaceenterprise systemsintegration
  • Influence programs and stakeholders to drive closure ofidentifiedRIGs through technical credibility and effective communication
  • Collaborate closely and effectively with government, Aerospace, other FFRDC and contractor support personnel

What You Need to Be Successful

MinimumRequirements for a Project Engineer - Enterprise Systems Engineering:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computerscienceor other applicable degree
  • 6 or more years of experience in relevant engineering/technical/operational aspects of National Security Space systems
  • Familiarity with multi-disciplinary systems engineering activities for space systems
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, think critically, andidentifycomplex technical issues
  • Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment and be responsive to management/customer requests
  • Superior verbal and written communication skillswith the ability to articulate technical issues clearly to diverse audiences
  • Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10%
  • Current TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to obtainadditionalclearances, which are issued by the US government.U.S citizenship isrequiredto obtaina securityclearance

In addition to the above, theminimumrequirements for Senior Project Engineer - Enterprise Systems Engineering:

  • 12 or more years of experience in relevant engineering/technical/operational aspects of National Security Space systems
  • Proven experience leadingor contributing tomultidisciplinary systems engineering activities for space systems
  • Proven experience taking initiative and delivering on commitments
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment, foster effective relationships, and be responsive to management/customer requests

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if youhaveone or more of these:

  • Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computerscienceor other applicable degree
  • Proven experience with the development, integration, and operation of DoD and/or IC space and/or ground capabilities
  • Strong background in Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE) methodologies and multi-disciplinary systems engineering activities for space systems
  • Understanding of contested space operations and related mission areas
  • Familiarity with SSIO increment approach and enterprise capability frameworks
  • Knowledge of ongoing mission area activities within and outside of SSC
  • Experience working with customers from organizations outside of SSC
  • Experience working with integrated government, FFRDC, and SETA teams
  • Experienceleveragingthe breadth and depth of Aerospace ETG technical capabilities and resources
  • Current SAP/SAR accesses

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 - $226,900.00Pay 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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.