2027 Aerospace Software and Simulation Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Vehicle Systems Software Department (VSSD) performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded in avionics systems for launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. Its multidisciplinary team provides technical oversight throughout flight software development, from requirements definition through launch-day and on-orbit operations, and develops high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to assess software readiness for flight.

The Aerospace Software and Simulation Engineer will conduct tests and analyses of software systems embedded in launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical space-system components. The role also supports development and maintenance of simulations for software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and launch-day mission assurance. The selected candidate will develop models of space-system components and tools to enhance analysis and simulation capabilities, while following software and system best practices and collaborating to deliver quality products and reviews to customers. The position is full-time and on-site at the company’s El Segundo, California facility, with domestic travel to customer sites, launch facilities, or test locations as needed, approximately 10% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field, either pursuing the degree or having conferred it within the last 12 months.
• 0–1 year of industry work experience.
• Experience in aerospace systems, flight software development, modeling and simulation, or a related engineering field.
• Experience providing 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 and simulation.
• Programming experience in Python, Java, or C/C++.
• Experience with version control systems and Linux/Unix environments.
• Understanding of software testing methodologies and best practices.
• Willingness to travel domestically to customer sites, launch facilities, or test locations approximately 10% as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field, either pursuing the degree or having conferred it within the last 12 months.
• Experience in Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC), modeling and simulation, embedded systems engineering, flight software engineering, or a related industry field.
• Knowledge of spacecraft flight software frameworks such as NASA cFS or JPL FSW, or safety-critical software certification standards such as DO-178C or 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 such as Simulink or Modelica.
• Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads, their relationships to other subsystems, and mission-level performance.
• Experience developing and/or testing real-time embedded software.
• Experience with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA, Bitbucket, and Confluence.
• Active Secret clearance or higher.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tests and analyses of software systems embedded in launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical space-system components.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of simulations for software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance.
• Develop models of space-system components, including sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics, for software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators.
• Develop tools and techniques to enhance analysis and simulation capabilities.
• Follow software and system best practices, collaborate with team members, and deliver quality products and reviews to customers.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with company-paid benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level