2026 Aerospace Software and Simulation Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•$100,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Vehicle Systems Software Department (VSSD) performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the flight software development process, from requirements definition to day-of-launch and on-orbit operations. We develop high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to test the software to assess its readiness for flight. VSSD is seeking an Aerospace Software and Simulation Engineer with a passion for space and software development to be part of our team. The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Strong written and oral communication skills
Must work well in a team environment
Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 year of industry work experience
Experience in aerospace systems, flight software development, modeling and simulation, or related engineering field
Experience performing technical support in complex environments involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors
Relevant project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling & simulation
Experience programming in Python, Java, C/C++
Experience with version control systems and Linux/Unix environments
Understanding of software testing methodologies and best practices
Willing to travel domestically to customer sites, launch facilities, or test locations approximately 10% as required
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Transcripts

Nice To Haves

PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
Experience in Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC), Modeling and Simulation, Embedded Systems Engineering, Flight Software Engineering, or related industry experience
Knowledge of spacecraft flight software frameworks (NASA cFS, JPL FSW) or safety-critical software certification standards (DO-178C, ISO 26262)
Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test systems
Experience with model-based design tools (Simulink, Modelica, etc.)
Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads, their relationships to other subsystems, and to mission-level performance
Experience developing and/or testing real-time embedded software
Experience working with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA, Bitbucket, and Confluence
Active Secret clearance or higher

Responsibilities

Conduct tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical components of space systems.
Participate in the development and maintenance of these simulations to support software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities.
Develop models of space system components such as sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics for use in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators
Develop tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.
Follow software and system best practices to support projects, collaborate with team members, and deliver quality products and reviews to customers.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.

Benefits

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