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 and Integration Department (VEID) is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. The Space Vehicle Engineer (Associate Member of Technical Staff – Interdisciplinary Vehicle Engineering & Integration) candidate should show interest and some knowledge in Space Vehicle (SV) generalist and SV Vehicle Mass and Mechanical Properties. You will work within the Vehicle Engineering and Integration Department and with the Aerospace Program Office on multiple spacecraft programs involving AI&T, multi-disciplinary project management, and generalist spacecraft hardware engineering. In this position you will act as technical authority, lead interfaces between customers' and Aerospace technical staff, and assist the management team with business development.  

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide spacecraft engineering support to multiple programs in Generalist Space Vehicle Engineer, Vehicle Mass and Mechanical Properties, and project management

• Provide analysis and test support to Vehicle Mass and Mechanical Properties

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

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

• Leading and coordinating 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  

• Function as the technical focal point between the Government Program Office and the contractor as the factory liaison for spacecraft and AI&T operations.

• Travel to contractor and vendor facilities, as required

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

• 1 year or more of applicable professional experience in one or more of the following areas: mass properties, mechanical design and analysis, design for manufacturing, optical-mechanical systems, environmental testing, propulsion, mechanisms, guidance and controls, thermal engineering, structures, or aerospace engineering

• Knowledge of space vehicle bus and/or payload subsystems and interfaces 

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required) 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance with CI polygraph, which is 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:

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

• Experience in a laboratory / AI&T / Factory setting 

• 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.) is strongly preferred

• Experience with hardware testing

• Knowledge of satellite test standards

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)

$77,100.00 - $115,600.00

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 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 View phone number on swooped.co or by email at  View email address on swooped.co . You can also review  Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .