2026 Propulsion Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

4d•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 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 deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success. The Liquid Propulsion section is looking for a candidate who will analyze complex engine architectures including turbopumps, cooling systems, and propellant feed networks; perform detailed component-level modeling of rotating machinery and combustion devices; evaluate high-speed datasets in frequency and shaft order domains; and assess multi-dimensional combustion phenomena in liquid rocket engines. In this position, you will perform technical evaluations and assessments of propulsion systems for high-priority space missions. Your work may involve propulsion system development, manufacturing, test, and operations for multiple programs. You must have a strong technical foundation and be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and effectively communicate results and recommendations to inform critical decisions. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Materials Science Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 year of industry work experience
Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics as applied to the design, evaluation, and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems
Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough independent analyses on deep technical challenges
Readiness to engage in technical discussions and reviews, present analyses, and contribute ideas in collaborative settings
Proficiency with standard office software, engineering tools, and scientific/technical programming environments and languages
Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally approximately 20% of the time to support customer needs
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Transcripts from an accredited college/university
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 needs
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Materials Science Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
Active security clearance
Experience with combustion/reacting flows, turbomachinery, rotordynamics, rocket engine/motor testing, material properties, or propulsion system engineering
Hands-on experience with thermal-fluid and/or propulsion system testing or experimentation
Advanced proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB
Demonstrated ability to analyze high sample rate datasets using frequency and order domain techniques, including experience with spectral analysis tools and software
Working knowledge of digital engineering techniques and applications

Responsibilities

Assisting in the evaluation of propulsion system design, performance, and applications
Developing and applying new and existing tools and analyses to assess the performance of space propulsion systems in ground test and flight
Identifying, assessing, and mitigating hardware and operational risks associated with components, systems, and interfaces
Providing real-time support for customer tests, flights, and anomaly resolution efforts
Participating in multidisciplinary teams including technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and other activities to assess flight readiness of propulsion systems
Assisting with propulsion laboratory experimental efforts, including test execution, data analysis, and design upgrades
Preparing reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, government personnel, and other 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