Spacecraft Propulsion 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 Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we work across the space enterprise and deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success.As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer ( Senior MTS/Engineering Specialist – Propulsion Engineering) in the Propulsion Department, you will perform technical evaluation and assessment of spacecraft propulsion systems for high-priority space missions. Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development, sustainment, manufacturing, testing, and operations for multiple programs. You must be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and confidently advise customers in making critical decisions.This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a work model that combines at least four regular on-site workdays with remote flexibility as business needs allow.What You’ll Be DoingSupporting the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for national space missions, using new technologies to allow more responsive operations:Participate in the overall design, development, test, and evaluation of propulsion systems, propellant tanking, and delivery subsystemsDevelop program requirements, assess risks and hazards; evaluate inspection, analysis, and test products to support verification or risk/hazard reductionParticipate in support and/or lead technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews; evaluate, and report upon analyses, studies, and tests of components and systemsPerform technical evaluation of chemical propulsion systems used for spacecraft programs; resolve unique or novel problems, conditions, and issuesReview contractor products to verify requirement compliance and general propulsion system efficiency and effectivityProvide real-time support during test, launch, and operations of spacecraft propulsion systemsFunction as propulsion system liaison for flight Anomaly Resolution and In-Flight Investigation reviewsMaintain awareness of multiple program propulsion activities by being an active participant in technical, safety, and integration working groups and meetingsPrepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, management, and customersClosely follow the Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) and Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) technical efforts as it relates to spacecraft propulsion and be able to contribute and report as the effort continues to matureWhat You Need to be SuccessfulMinimum Requirements for the Senior MTS – Propulsion EngineeringAdvanced degree in a STEM discipline4 years or more of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environmentExperience with in-space spacecraft chemical-propulsion systems and propellant tank / delivery subsystemsAbility to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical conceptsExperience working across diverse teams and many different engineering disciplinesKnowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics used in the design, evaluation and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems for space flight vehiclesKnowledge in the design and development of major elements of ground test and space flight systems required to demonstrate the utilization of propulsion and propellant systemsWilling to travel [occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally] approx. 10-15% of timeCurrent TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required.In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Propulsion Engineering6 years or more of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environmentHow You Can Stand OutIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:PhD from an accredited program in a STEM disciplineCompleted course work in astrodynamics, combustion, control theory, systems engineering/designExperience with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systemsExperience with space system engineering practices and standardsExperience working closely with customers and/or contractorsExperience with hot fire testing or working with storable propellant chemical rocket enginesExperience in hypergolic propulsion systems and/or refuelingExperience in aerospace industry project managementKnowledge and understanding of DOD program life cycleCurrent involvement and specialization in the Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) and Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) technical effortsWe 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)$100,300.00 - $175,900.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership CompetenciesOur 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 ChangeEngage with ImpactFoster InnovationDeliver ResultsWays We Reward Our EmployeesDuring 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 respectWe 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 CommitmentThe 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal . #J-18808-Ljbffr The Aerospace Corporation