Aerospace Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Infinity’s niche in the aerospace and defense industry is specialized solutions that help bridge the gap between space and ground. This is no small task, and we owe our success to our team who help us fulfill our mission; to match people with their legacies for betterment of the world. There is always a place at Infinity for a motivated, capable individual seeking a career to better the world. We prioritize supporting our team through exceptional benefits, work-life balance, and structured career development. At Infinity, WE ARE MORE – now, come be more with us!

The Aerospace Engineer provides systems engineering, mission design, and technical analysis support for space technology programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This role focuses on the design, development, analysis, and integration of spacecraft systems ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites, supporting cradle-to-grave space mission lifecycles from concept development through flight operations.

The ideal candidate will support:

• Mission and space system development: Conduct spacecraft subsystem design, mission analysis, concept of operations development, and requirements definition for experimental space missions
• Spacecraft design and analysis: Perform mechanical, thermal, structural, and systems engineering for spacecraft buses, payloads, and high-altitude balloon experiments
• Hardware development and integration: Support spacecraft hardware design, fabrication, and integration activities including technology prototyping and flight experiment assembly
• Modeling and simulation: Develop and exercise spacecraft models, mission simulations, and analytical tools to evaluate technology options and mission performance

This position requires hands-on aerospace engineering experience, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) supporting innovative space technology experiments for the Department of Defense.

Key Responsibilities:

Mission and Space System Development:

• Support systems engineering tasks for AFRL Program Managers, Chief Engineers, and Systems Engineers on space technology programs
• Develop and refine mission requirements, concept of operations (CONOPS), mission constraints, and conceptual designs for spacecraft ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites
• Conduct mission design and evaluation including orbit analysis, launch vehicle integration studies, and mission timeline development
• Perform design tradeoffs and alternatives analysis to support technology selection and system architecture decisions
• Support refinement of programmatic objectives into actionable technical requirements and requirement flow-downs
• Develop interface control documentation, specifications, and design documentation for spacecraft systems

Spacecraft Subsystem Design and Analysis:

• Perform mechanical, thermal, electrical, and structural engineering to support spacecraft and high-altitude balloon experiment designs
• Conduct spacecraft subsystem modeling, integration planning, and system-level simulations
• Design and analyze spacecraft structures, mechanisms, thermal management systems, and power systems
• Evaluate spacecraft performance through analytical methods, modeling and simulation, and engineering analysis
• Support development of Government Reference Designs (GRD) with technical input and design documentation
• Identify requirement shortfalls, missing functionality, and recommend system improvements

Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis:

• Ensure all testing activities comply with industry standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities including requirements definition, design, analysis, and verification/validation throughout program lifecycle
• Develop modeling capabilities to simulate, emulate, and evaluate technology options identified by AFRL
• Test and operate modeling and simulation capabilities for spacecraft systems and mission scenarios
• Perform analyses comparing model and simulation results to experimental findings and test data
• Conduct satellite system simulation and mission effectiveness evaluation
  

Hardware Development and Technology Implementation:

• Support spacecraft and high-altitude balloon flight hardware design and fabrication
• Provide hardware development, integration planning, and technology transition support
• Support design and fabrication of ground-based proofs-of-concept, experiments, and demonstrations
• Prepare documented data acquisition, processing, analysis, and modeling/simulation tools for experimental evaluations
• Document experimental processes and results to allow independent reproduction by third parties

Integration and Test Support:

• Support spacecraft bus, payload, and experiment assembly and integration within government facilities
• Review and provide input on test procedures, safety plans, and risk management plans
• Support launch integration activities including integration studies, interface control documents, and launch site support
• Assist with shipping, protecting, and transporting flight experiments and support equipment

Program Support and Collaboration:

• Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, program reviews, off-sites, and technical conferences
• Support procurement assistance with long lead hardware/software critical to space experiment program success
• Support technology transfer planning and decommissioning activities, including planning for technology transition to external mission partners
• Support miscellaneous tasks such as trade studies, demonstrations, and various analyses as directed by Government Program Managers

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance:

• Support comprehensive cybersecurity and information assurance activities including compliance with DoD risk management frameworks and security requirements

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering required
• Experience: 0-10 years of experience in system integration and testing
• Clearance Requirement: Secret, TS/SCI Preferred
• Minimum Skills Required:
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft systems engineering, subsystem design, and mission analysis
• Proficiency in aerospace engineering principles including orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and mission design
• Experience with mechanical, thermal, structural, and/or electrical analysis for aerospace systems
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems including power, propulsion, attitude determination and control, communications, and structures
• Proficiency with engineering analysis tools (MATLAB, STK, Python, or similar)
• Experience with CAD software for mechanical design (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar)
• Knowledge of spacecraft environmental requirements and space-qualification testing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and collaboration
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams with engineers, scientists, and program managers
• Preferred Skills:
• Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or ESPA-class spacecraft programs
• Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (CAMEO, Innoslate, or similar)
• Experience with spacecraft modeling and simulation tools (STK, GMAT, or similar)
• Knowledge of DoD and Air Force space systems, acquisition processes, and program management
• Familiarity with aerospace standards including:
  • MIL-STD-1540D (Product Verification Requirements for Launch, Upper-Stage, and Space Vehicles)
  • MIL-STD-882D (System Safety)
  • DoD-HDBK-343 (One-Of-A-Kind Space Equipment)
• Experience with thermal analysis tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT)
• Experience with finite element analysis (ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS)
• Background in flight experiment operations or mission operations center support
• Experience with high-altitude balloon systems and near-space experiments
• Prior experience working with AFRL, DoD laboratories, or Air Force programs
• Professional engineering (PE) license or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification

Work environment/Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a lab, manufacturing, or field testing environment with occasional exposure to industrial settings.
• May require lifting up to 25 pounds and working with test equipment.
• Travel may be required for on-site testing, field support, or customer demonstrations.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position, typically working 40 hours per week. Overtime may be required depending on operational needs.

Infinity Benefits:

Great Company Culture. Infinity firmly believes that our success is due to the happiness and personal satisfaction of our employees. 

Health Benefits.  100% Company Paid monthly Medical and Dental premiums for you AND your family. 

Prepare for the Future. 401(k) company contribution, with free professional financial planning advisors 

Rest and Relaxation. Three weeks' Vacation – and  we offer an annual company reward trip after one year of employment.

Health and Wellness. We offer 48 hours of sick leave, in addition to your Vacation, as well as Flex-Spending options (Medical and Dependent Care) 

Work that Stays at Work. Genuine work/life balance and flexibility. We know our employees have lives outside of work and we support you in living them! 

Education and Professional Training Reimbursement. We support our employees career aspirations and growth through our Education Reimbursement Program! 

Profit Sharing Plan. Infinity’s success is due to our employees which is why all eligible employees receive an annual payout based on our Profit-Sharing Plan. 

U.S. Citizenship is required.

EOE including disability/vet

To learn more about our company and benefits, please visit:  Infinity Careers