Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$117,300 - $226,900•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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. The Launch Systems Division (LSD) helps our customers develop innovative solutions in support of military, human space flight, and commercial applications by interfacing with organizations such as the United States Space Force, NASA, DARPA, NRO, and FAA. Our people provide customers timely, value added, decision quality information and analyses to solve technical and programmatic issues to outpace the threat. We are seeking a well-qualified Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer with proven technical leadership and outstanding communication abilities to be part of a team that supports and shapes the future of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program (USSF/SSC/SA) as part of the Space Access Systems Delta 80 organization. We on-ramp emerging launch vehicles (e.g., New Glenn, Neutron, Nova) to accommodate NSS missions that can tolerate elevated flight risks using the NSSL Lane 1 acquisition approach. Our team coordinates and maintains support for the evaluation of launch vehicle design, launch service provider processes, operational capabilities, and tiered mission assurance processes. Are you ready to launch your career in this exciting new mission area? The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA, at LAAFB in the SSC/SYD80 Program Office, part of a customer-facing team.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in a technical or STEM-related area of study
5 or more years of professional growth and related experience with launch or space vehicle hardware
Familiarity with launch or space vehicle hardware design, analysis, and testing
Familiarity with Python and AI LLMs for data reviews, analysis, and task automations
Track record in coordinating or participating in technical team efforts
Ability to travel as needed (mostly domestic)
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance, which is issued by the US government.
U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
8 or more years of professional growth and related experience with launch or space vehicle hardware
Strong familiarity with launch or space vehicle hardware design, analysis, and testing
Strong familiarity with Python and AI LLMs for data reviews, analysis, and task automation
Track record in leading or participating in multi-disciplinary technical team efforts

Nice To Haves

An advanced STEM degree
Hands-on experience working with launch vehicle or spacecraft hardware
Expertise in the design, analysis, and testing of launch vehicle or spacecraft hardware
Proficiency in design, analysis, and testing of launch vehicle systems
Familiarity with NSSL processes, specifications, and standards
Proficiency in using Python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
Proficiency in using AI LLMs for task automation
Innovative and futuristic thinking to drive continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for NSSL Lane 1 acquisition effort, including RFP development, source selection, and contract execution
Work closely with Space Access Director of Engineering and staff to develop and maintain NSSL Lane 1 mission assurance and systems engineering processes
Develop and maintain NSSL Lane 1 mission assurance command media, contractual documents, compliance documents (e.g. NSSL-S-016), and launch verification matrix
Support launch systems design and process reviews of NSSL new entrants
Communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, Space Force, and contractor teams
Support New Glenn GS3 certification plan development and execution
Develop AI tools to help engineers perform mission assurance tasks (e.g., compliance gap assessments, acquisition assessments, launch forecasts, risk assessments)
Develop data ingestion and integration tools to automate data flows

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