2026 Aerodynamic Environments Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

7d•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 Aerodynamic Environments Section within the Fluid Mechanics Department provides design and analysis support for aerodynamic environments of space, launch, and reentry vehicles. We are currently seeking a talented Aerodynamic Environments Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff – Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering). The qualified candidate works with both internal and external customers participating as a technical authority on aerodynamic and fluid mechanics topics. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 years of industry experience
Coursework and research experience in the field/subject of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics related to space, launch, and reentry vehicles
Demonstrated use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques
Willingness to occasionally travel to support customer needs, approximately 5% (as required)
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 are required

Nice To Haves

Graduate-level coursework in incompressible flows, compressible flows, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, computational fluid dynamics
Experience in analyzing aerodynamic flight and/or experimental data
Experience in use of CFD computational grid generation and post-processing software

Responsibilities

Conduct analyses, modeling, planning and reviewing functions associated with aerodynamic environments pertaining to space, launch, and reentry vehicles
Analyze and assess steady and transient internal and external flows ranging from subsonic to hypersonic regimes
Develop new modeling and analysis tools, as needed
Participate in multi-disciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues
Support on-site and off-site technical interchange meetings, review of contractor analyses, wind tunnel testing, and mission assurance reviews
Work closely with program offices and interface with contractors, government personnel, research laboratories, and academia

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