Space Vehicle Engineer

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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Vehicle Engineering & Integration Department is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation.  Vehicle Engineering & Integration is seeking a Space Vehicle Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist – Interdisciplinary Vehicle Engineering and Integration) with outstanding technical skills and the ability to assist the management team with expansion of our customer base. The candidate will work alongside team members from the Vehicle Systems and Vehicle AI&T sections, responsible for Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) for multiple spacecraft programs, project management, generalist Vehicle Systems engineering, and Interdisciplinary studies.  This role will be working with a Space Vehicle program office as a space vehicle bus engineer in all phases of development and execution. In this position, you will act as part of a team with technical authority, lead interfaces between customers, contractors, and Aerospace technical staff.  

This is a full-time on-site position in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide space vehicle and sub-systems engineering support to Space Vehicle programs in AI&T, project management, and generalist space vehicle and sub-systems engineering

• Oversee multidisciplinary system level acquisition, design, manufacture, integration and test activities for space vehicles and vehicle interfaces to launch vehicle and ground

• Provide technical leadership in identifying, mitigating, and solving applicable space vehicle and subsystem risks and issues

• Leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary ETG technical teams to participate in internal research and development and technology transition projects in support of national security space customers 

• Develop and maintain strong, effective working relationships with internal and external customers and contractor counterparts

• Generate and deliver written reports, risk assessments, recommendations, and presentations to the customer and Aerospace management

• Assist the Vehicle Engineering management team with business development efforts and growth of the customer base

• Identifies interdisciplinary projects with a strong VSD slant from customer / program office connections, brings in the work, develops the team, and executes all phases of the projects

• Identify new customers, focus areas, and develop new cross-divisional Aerospace partnerships

• Participate in matrixed program office support, as needed

• Working with Department leadership in areas of strategy focus and business development

• Mentoring department staff members and brings in tasks / projects beyond personal activities from internal and external resources

• Travel to contractor and vendor facilities, as required

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline

• 12 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: mechanical design and analysis, design for manufacturing, optical-mechanical systems, environmental testing, propulsion, mechanisms, guidance and controls, thermal engineering, structures,

• Conduct detailed technical analyses and apply knowledge independently with minimal guidance

• Experience assembling and leading multi-disciplinary team members and working across departments, divisions, and customers

• Demonstration of progressively increasing responsibilities in work assignments / projects

• Willingness to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approx. 10%

• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the US government or the ability to obtain one.  US 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:

• Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or other technical discipline

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: electrical integration and testing, test hardware/software, electrical design, power systems, ground support equipment (electrical, mechanical, optical, test, etc.)

• Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines

• Experience in business development activities

• Knowledge of satellite test standards and Aerospace mission assurance

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)

$176,400.00 - $264,600.00Pay 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 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.