2027 Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and advanced technology. The Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section conducts experimental studies of low-temperature plasma space technologies, resolves flight anomalies, characterizes commercial plasma devices, and investigates electric propulsion and plasma-adjacent phenomena, including electrostatic discharge, multipactor breakdown, and plasma-material interactions. The Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer will perform technical assessment, research and development, risk mitigation, and anomaly investigation and resolution through laboratory experimentation and analysis. The position supports scientists and engineers in the Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section and interfaces with other internal organizations as needed. The engineer will work hands-on to design, fabricate, instrument, and troubleshoot experiments, maintain existing experiments, and develop test-infrastructure capabilities and readiness. The role is full-time and on-site at the facility in El Segundo, California.

Requirements

Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related discipline; the degree may be in progress or have been conferred within the last 12 months.
0–1 year of industry work experience.
Experience in electric propulsion or relevant plasma science.
Working knowledge of the physics and testing of electric propulsion devices.
Working knowledge of electrostatic-discharge physics or plasma-material interaction.
Working knowledge of power electronics and data acquisition systems.
Experience with vacuum systems, compressed gases, and cryogenics.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain the clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a research or manufacturing environment.
Experience with mechanical CAD design and analysis software.
Experience maintaining and troubleshooting NI LabVIEW programs, DAQ systems, and PLC programming.
Experience working in and maintaining a high-vacuum test facility.
Demonstrated experience with EMI/EMC testing.
Industry experience working with flight electric propulsion systems.
Demonstrated participation in electric propulsion or plasma science professional associations.

Responsibilities

Perform technical assessment, research and development, risk mitigation, and anomaly investigation and resolution through laboratory experimentation and analysis.
Support scientists and engineers in the Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section and interface with other internal support organizations as needed.
Exercise hands-on laboratory and research skills.
Design, fabricate, instrument, and troubleshoot new experiments, and maintain existing experiments.
Develop capabilities and readiness for the Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science test infrastructure.
Adapt to duties, responsibilities, and activities as needed by the customer.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options; this position itself is required to be full-time on-site.
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.