Space Vehicle Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

3d•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. 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 Vehicle Engineering & Integration Department is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. Vehicle Engineering & Integration is seeking a Space Vehicle Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist – Interdisciplinary Vehicle Engineering and Integration) with outstanding technical skills and the ability to assist the management team with expansion of our customer base. The candidate will work alongside team members from the Vehicle Systems and Vehicle AI&T sections, responsible for Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) for multiple spacecraft programs, project management, generalist Vehicle Systems engineering, and Interdisciplinary studies. This role will be working with a Space Vehicle program office as a space vehicle bus engineer in all phases of development and execution. In this position, you will act as part of a team with technical authority, lead interfaces between customers, contractors, and Aerospace technical staff. This is a full-time on-site position in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline
12 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: mechanical design and analysis, design for manufacturing, optical-mechanical systems, environmental testing, propulsion, mechanisms, guidance and controls, thermal engineering, structures,
Conduct detailed technical analyses and apply knowledge independently with minimal guidance
Experience assembling and leading multi-disciplinary team members and working across departments, divisions, and customers
Demonstration of progressively increasing responsibilities in work assignments / projects
Willingness to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approx. 10%
Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the US government or the ability to obtain one.
US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or other technical discipline
Experience in one or more of the following areas: electrical integration and testing, test hardware/software, electrical design, power systems, ground support equipment (electrical, mechanical, optical, test, etc.)
Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines
Experience in business development activities
Knowledge of satellite test standards and Aerospace mission assurance

Responsibilities

Provide space vehicle and sub-systems engineering support to Space Vehicle programs in AI&T, project management, and generalist space vehicle and sub-systems engineering
Oversee multidisciplinary system level acquisition, design, manufacture, integration and test activities for space vehicles and vehicle interfaces to launch vehicle and ground
Provide technical leadership in identifying, mitigating, and solving applicable space vehicle and subsystem risks and issues
Leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary ETG technical teams to participate in internal research and development and technology transition projects in support of national security space customers
Develop and maintain strong, effective working relationships with internal and external customers and contractor counterparts
Generate and deliver written reports, risk assessments, recommendations, and presentations to the customer and Aerospace management
Assist the Vehicle Engineering management team with business development efforts and growth of the customer base
Identifies interdisciplinary projects with a strong VSD slant from customer / program office connections, brings in the work, develops the team, and executes all phases of the projects
Identify new customers, focus areas, and develop new cross-divisional Aerospace partnerships
Participate in matrixed program office support, as needed
Working with Department leadership in areas of strategy focus and business development
Mentoring department staff members and brings in tasks / projects beyond personal activities from internal and external resources
Travel to contractor and vendor facilities, as required

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