Power Systems 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.
At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!
The Analog and Power Systems Department (APSD) has expertise in the areas of power electronics / analog engineering and power systems engineering. APSD provides world class corporate expertise that performs analog circuit design, circuit analysis, hardware test, hardware troubleshooting, rapid prototyping, and system level modeling in support of critical design verification, analysis verification, anomaly resolution, and systems verification efforts. We are looking for an experienced Power Systems Engineer that is a self-starter, strong team player with emotional intelligence, effective communicator (both written and verbal), technical leader, and mentor.
APSD not only plays the role of solving highly complex technical problems, but also serves as an integral component to complementary organizations and program customers to support the goals and objectives of integrated teams across the corporation, customer community, and community of space hardware contractors / suppliers.
Work Model: This position will be a fulltime, on-site work model in El Segundo, California.
What You’ll Be Doing
Provide power system level energy balance analysis, energy depletion analysis, and harness voltage drop analysis in support of the development of satellite and launch vehicles, up to and including launch and initialization (state of health and anomaly support)
Provide technical reports in support of Space Systems Command (SSC), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and Civil Space programs
Create system level power models and conduct independent reviews of contractor space vehicle or launch vehicle systems
Provide analysis that identifies system margin and operational constraints
Collaborate on a multidiscipline team of SMEs to provide system level analysis data products
Write clear and concise reports that document your work
Deliver presentations to customers and leadership
Serve as the customer’s Subject Matter Expert by providing technical support to program offices in support of design verification, design conceptualization, system sizing, system state of health checks, and anomaly root-cause / corrective action investigations. Maintain analysis and design standards for the space industry
Be an effective technical contributor to a multidiscipline team of SMEs
Serve as the technical conscious of the Government and Civil customer to ensure mission success
Review and assess internal and external system designs (power budget / power margin reports / day in the life scenarios – perform independent analysis and make technical assessments)
Identify system / design deficiencies and provide solutions
Mentor and provide technical training for early career engineers
Deliver written and verbal reports to peers, program offices, and leadership
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (preferably Electrical Engineering) or equivalent
8 or more years of increasingly responsible and related engineering experience
Ability to lead teams in the development of system level analysis tools
Ability to mentor and provide guidance to more junior engineers
Demonstrated proficiency in the use of system modeling software (Matlab, JAVA, or Simulink)
Demonstrated experience in providing technical advice to management
Power Systems Design
Familiarity with bus power regulators
Ability to build a system level model of a DC/DC power bus with loads and power sourcesAbility to analyze and design systems in a collaborative multidiscipline environment
High level of proficiency in circuit analysis, test, and troubleshooting
Willing to travel [occasionally to work location or customer / contractor site/domestically] approx. 10% to 25% of time if required.
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Power Systems Engineer include:
Advanced degree in a STEM field (preferably Electrical Engineering) or equivalent
12 or more years of increasingly responsible and related engineering experience
Strong background and capability in satellite and / or launch vehicle power systems
Familiarity and/or knowledge on how to review and evaluate energy balance analyses across multiple power system architectures
Distinguished / proven technical leader with an industry track record of success / accomplishments
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Successful track record in mentoring junior engineers
Demonstrated experience in leadership of teams in the development of system models
Proficiency in the analysis and design of power system level analysis tools
Master's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or another related field from an accredited university
Current and active Top Secret/SCI clearance
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 - $226,000.00
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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.