Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•Hybrid

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 Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we work across the space enterprise and deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success. As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer (Senior MTS/Engineering Specialist – Propulsion Engineering) in the Propulsion Department, you will perform technical evaluation and assessment of spacecraft propulsion systems for high-priority space missions. Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development, sustainment, manufacturing, testing, and operations for multiple programs. You must be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and confidently advise customers in making critical decisions. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a work model that combines at least four regular on-site workdays with remote flexibility as business needs allow. What You’ll Be Doing Supporting the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for national space missions, using new technologies to allow more responsive operations:

Requirements

Advanced degree in a STEM discipline
4 years or more of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment
Experience with in-space spacecraft chemical-propulsion systems and propellant tank / delivery subsystems
Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts
Experience working across diverse teams and many different engineering disciplines
Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics used in the design, evaluation and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems for space flight vehicles
Knowledge in the design and development of major elements of ground test and space flight systems required to demonstrate the utilization of propulsion and propellant systems
Willing to travel [occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally] approx. 10-15% of time
This position may require 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
6 years or more of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment

Nice To Haves

PhD from an accredited program in a STEM discipline
Completed course work in astrodynamics, combustion, control theory, systems engineering/design
Experience with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems
Experience with space system engineering practices and standards
Experience working closely with customers and/or contractors
Experience with hot fire testing or working with storable propellant chemical rocket engines
Experience in hypergolic propulsion systems and/or refueling
Experience in aerospace industry project management
Knowledge and understanding of DOD program life cycle
Current involvement and specialization in the Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) and Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) technical efforts
An active DoD and/or SSBI security clearance

Responsibilities

Participate in the overall design, development, test, and evaluation of propulsion systems, propellant tanking, and delivery subsystems
Develop program requirements, assess risks and hazards; evaluate inspection, analysis, and test products to support verification or risk/hazard reduction
Participate in support and/or lead technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews; evaluate, and report upon analyses, studies, and tests of components and systems
Perform technical evaluation of chemical propulsion systems used for spacecraft programs; resolve unique or novel problems, conditions, and issues
Review contractor products to verify requirement compliance and general propulsion system efficiency and effectivity
Provide real-time support during test, launch, and operations of spacecraft propulsion systems
Function as propulsion system liaison for flight Anomaly Resolution and In-Flight Investigation reviews
Maintain awareness of multiple program propulsion activities by being an active participant in technical, safety, and integration working groups and meetings
Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, management, and customers
Closely follow the Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) and Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) technical efforts as it relates to spacecraft propulsion and be able to contribute and report as the effort continues to mature

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