Propulsion Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • Los Angeles, CA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Defense Systems Group is hiring a Propulsion Systems Engineer for its Launch Systems, Operations, and Development team. The role provides technical and programmatic leadership for Program Office (PO) and Engineering & Technology Group (ETG) engineers evaluating, certifying, and providing mission assurance for propulsion systems on SpaceX Falcon and/or Blue Origin New Glenn launch vehicles supporting U.S. Space Force National Security Space Launch missions.

The engineer ensures that ETG assessments and recommendations are technically sound, objective, and delivered within applicable timelines and budgets. The position also includes directing, mentoring, and developing PO and ETG team capabilities and building effective relationships with the Space Force, launch contractors and suppliers, and other interested organizations such as the NRO and NASA. The role focuses on mission execution across launch vehicle propulsion systems and interfaces with propulsion engineering, mechanical systems, stage systems, thermostructures, and fluid mechanics. It also provides leadership to project engineers focused on engines and stage propulsion systems to execute missions on budget and on plan.

The selected candidate must work full-time on-site at the company’s offices at Los Angeles Air Force Base or Cape Canaveral, Florida. The role may be filled at the Sr. Member of Technical Staff or Project Engineer level, with differing experience and team-leadership requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• For Sr. Member of Technical Staff: at least 3 years of related engineering experience.
• For Project Engineer: at least 6 years of related engineering experience.
• Past propulsion work in one or more areas for the Sr. Member of Technical Staff level, including engine or systems design, propulsion analysis or evaluation, engine testing, propulsion systems engineering, stage propulsion, engine manufacturing, engine certification, mission assurance, or mission support.
• Past propulsion work in three or more of the listed areas for the Project Engineer level.
• Experience contributing to multidisciplinary technical team efforts.
• For Project Engineer: experience leading multidisciplinary technical team efforts.
• Ability to enter manufacturing facilities and travel to test sites and launch sites to support missions, as well as travel between campuses.
• Current U.S. Department of Defense Secret clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Ability to work full-time on-site at Los Angeles Air Force Base or Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s and/or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, with an emphasis in combustion or propulsion, from a recognized institution, and/or an MBA.
• Experience leading component-level pedigrees and developing and delivering presentations to peers and all levels of management.
• Experience consulting or advising external groups.
• Knowledge of the Launch Verification Matrix, Chief Engineer Review Board, and/or risk management matrix.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis, design, development, evaluation, testing, certification, pedigree, mission assurance, fleet monitoring, and launch mission control activities for large launch vehicle motors, engines, and stage propulsion systems.
• Manage ETG technical studies to assure the integrity, reliability, performance, and compliance of large engines and propulsion systems.
• Collaborate with program office staff responsible for other launch system areas, including structures, GNC, avionics, and systems.
• Support management and systems engineering activities as needed.
• Prepare reports, briefings, updates, and documents in support of program activities and company processes.
• Build and maintain close working relationships with the Space Force and Aerospace program offices, contractors, and representatives of other government agencies.
• Provide technical advice and recommendations, and communicate technical activities, issues, and accomplishments to customer and company management through reports and briefings.
• Assist contractors in certifying and launching vehicles.
• Establish mutually beneficial solutions between contractors and the U.S. Government team.
• Provide direction, mentoring, and development for the technical and functional capabilities of PO and ETG teams.

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 contributions 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.
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

What This Job Offers

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