2027 Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

8d•$100,300 - $150,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff - Physics) for its Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section within the Physical Sciences Laboratories. The section conducts experimental studies of low-temperature plasma space technologies, supports investigation and resolution of flight anomalies, characterizes commercial plasma devices, and researches electric propulsion and related phenomena such as electrostatic discharge, multipactor breakdown, and plasma-material interaction. The selected candidate will perform research, development, technical assessment, risk mitigation, and anomaly investigation through laboratory experimentation and analysis. The role involves hands-on work designing, fabricating, instrumenting, and troubleshooting experiments; maintaining experiments; and developing the capabilities and readiness of test infrastructure. The position is full-time and on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance are required.

Requirements

Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related discipline; candidates may be pursuing the degree or have conferred it 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 a clearance.
Required to work full-time on-site at the facility in El Segundo, California.

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.
Directly support scientists and engineers in the Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section and interface with other internal support organizations as needed.
Exercise a wide range of 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 new 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.
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.