Vehicle Ground Concepts Engineer
The Aerospace Corporation
Vehicle Ground Concepts Engineer
The Aerospace Corporation
Space systems research, design, and advisory
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 wide-ranging and 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.
Vehicle Ground Concepts Department Description
The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.
Work Model
This position is 100% onsite in either of the following locations; El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Leading early-stage design studies for spacecraft concepts; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts
Leading continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft concept design and analysis activities
Supporting the development of similar capabilities within VGCD for the assessment of ground segment concept design
Establishing strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group
What You Need To Be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Member of Technical Staff:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline
2+ years of relevant experience working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams with a focus on spacecraft or ground segment design
A strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering; some knowledge of ground segment concepts
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment;proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office
Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies
Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs
Occasional domestic travel
Current or active TS/SSBI and ability to maintain a TS/SCI clearance
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff include:
4+ years of relevant experienceworking on multi-disciplinary engineering teams with a focus on spacecraft or ground segment design
Ability to assemble and lead multi-disciplinary teams to scope work for often vague problem statements
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline
Proficiency in commercial simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks
Strong, demonstrated personal initiative to seek out work, establish relationships throughout organizations, and identify and correct issues as they arise
Experience with the Intelligence Community, DoD, and other common Aerospace 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)
$91,800.00 - $159,500.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership 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:
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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.
Space systems research, design, and advisory
The Aerospace Corporation helps national security space programs through technical and scientific research, development, and advisory services. It provides engineering and acquisition management support to the Air Force, other Defense Department agencies, and civilian agencies. Its work covers launch system design and analysis, engineering, development, implications, and application, helping programs go from concept to tested systems. The company differentiates itself by focusing specifically on government space programs, offering independent technical expertise and mission-focused advisory services with a long history dating back to 1960, rather than competing primarily as a commercial contractor. Its goal is to enable reliable and secure space capabilities for national security by informing and guiding government programs from research through deployment.
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