Senior Project Engineer, Product Experience Design and Integration

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

8d•$151,300 - $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. The Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is a unique engineering division partnering across the full space enterprise to advance next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil and commercial space, ISCD blends expertise in software architecture, AI/ML systems, data platforms and architecture, advanced cloud and edge infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, digital architectures, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into real-world mission environments. The Engineering Applications Department (EAD) within the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to bridge commercial product experience design practices with mission-critical software development. This role will establish and lead the integration of UX/UI design with software development, bringing commercial and industrial best practices to space enterprise systems. You'll provide strategic leadership for integrated software development projects, ensuring that product experience design is embedded throughout the development lifecycle. You'll translate commercial UX/UI practices into aerospace and defense contexts, lead cross-functional teams, and establish frameworks that enable seamless collaboration between designers and developers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, HCI, Design, Engineering, or related STEM discipline from an accredited university
10+ years of professional experience in product design, UX/UI design, software development, or integrated product development with proven track record leading complex projects
Deep knowledge of commercial product experience design practices, design systems, and UX/UI integration with software development
Strong understanding of software development processes, modern frameworks, and how design integrates with technical architecture
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive complex projects to completion, and influence organizational strategy
Demonstrated ability to interact with customers, leadership, and technical teams, translating between business needs and technical solutions
Exceptional verbal and written skills for translating between business needs, user requirements, and technical solutions
Willing to travel domestically up to 10%
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or Ph.D. in HCI, Design, Computer Science, or related discipline
Significant experience in commercial product organizations (tech, SaaS, consumer products) with ability to translate practices to government/defense contexts
Background in aerospace, defense, or government sectors with understanding of mission-critical systems
Experience building and scaling enterprise design systems integrated with development workflows
Experience with AR/VR, game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine), or advanced visualization technologies
Hands-on front-end development, APIs, or full-stack development background
Publications, presentations, or industry recognition in product experience design or design-development integration
Current DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance
Strong portfolio demonstrating leadership in integrated design-development projects with measurable impact

Responsibilities

Establish commercial product experience design best practices and integration frameworks for UX/UI within software development lifecycles
Shape technical strategy and investment priorities for product experience capabilities across the organization
Maintain awareness of commercial UX/UI trends, design systems, and development methodologies
Lead integrated software development projects from concept through delivery across web, desktop, mobile, and immersive platforms
Guide technical and design decisions that balance user experience, feasibility, and mission requirements
Drive decision-making on architecture, design systems, and implementation approaches
Mentor team members in integrated design-development practices and commercial product experience methodologies
Build partnerships with customer-facing teams, commercial industry, academia, and government to advance product experience practices
Translate mission needs into innovative solutions while establishing clear workflows between design and development teams
Interact effectively with customers, leadership, and technical teams across all organizational levels
Present complex concepts and project outcomes to diverse audiences from engineers to executives
Advocate for user-centered design principles in aerospace and defense contexts

Benefits

Competitive compensation package
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