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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Electromechanical Control Department (ECD) is a vital component of VSD, entrusted with the critical role of providing unparalleled technical support in the realm of control system hardware and algorithms for both spacecraft and launch vehicles. ECD subject matter experts specialize in pivotal components such as gyroscopes, star trackers, encoders, motors, accelerometers, reaction wheels, fast steering mirrors, servo mechanisms, GPS receivers, thrust vector control, and more. This dynamic department engages in extensive technical studies and experimental investigations to bolster customer programs. These activities encompass everything from control system analysis, simulation, and evaluation to real-world testing of control hardware and sensor systems. ECD's endeavors often necessitate seamless collaboration with government stakeholders, program managers, and contractors.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader on multiple programs, collaborating seamlessly with both internal and external customers
- Provide invaluable oversight, guidance, and expert advice on customer projects, including specialized analytical and experimental studies pertaining to spacecraft and launch vehicle control system hardware
- Leverage your profound expertise in the field of electromechanical control systems to drive innovation and excellence
- Thoroughly evaluate and verify contractor designs, methodologies, and overall system performance to ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
- Minimum of 12 years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
- Relevant experience in laboratory experimentation, developing test strategies, experiment design, and integration and test
- A strong working knowledge of electronics, mechanical design and structures, control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators
- Experience with spacecraft and/or launch vehicle control hardware
- Experience providing technical support in multi-program, multi-agency environments, engaging seamlessly with government program office personnel, engineering support, and contractors
- Experience training and mentoring less experienced technical staff
- The ability to communicate effectively in oral and written communication, with the ability to interact effectively with higher management, program offices, customers, contractors, and colleagues
- Willingness to travel up to 25% and work outside regular business hours to accommodate customer needs
- 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
Nice-to-haves
- Advanced degree in a STEM field is preferred
- 15 or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience is strongly desired
- Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems
- Preference would be given to candidates with significant experience in system engineering, launch vehicle systems, space vehicle control systems, space vehicle payload systems, mechanical design, additive manufacturing, structural analysis, dynamics, electronic circuit design and analysis, optics, GPS receiver testing, servo mechanism performance evaluation, small satellite development, unmanned aircraft systems, or robotics
- Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads and control, their relationships to other subsystems, and their impact on mission-level performance
- Demonstrated experience mentoring and building a product team
- Proficiency with any of the following tools: MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE, LabVIEW, SolidWorks, C/C++, Python
- An active secret security clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI access, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
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
