2026 Aerospace Software Test Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

1d • 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 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. In addition, we develop and test real-time embedded software for CubeSats, drones and other emerging technologies. VSSD is seeking an Aerospace Software Test 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

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Math, Physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Some background and/or experience programming in one or more of the following languages: C, C++, and Python
• Relevant project experience or coursework in embedded systems, space systems design, dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling & simulation
• This position requires the 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

• GPA 3.5 or higher
• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Math, Physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Experience designing, developing, or testing real time embedded software
• Familiarity with launch vehicle and/or satellite flight computers, their relationships to other subsystems, and to mission-level performance is desirable
• Familiarity with software development processes and tools including version control, compilers, IDEs, software engineering and coding standards
• Experience with Linux/Unix systems
• Knowledge working with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA, Bitbucket, and Confluence

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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 tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees