Vehicle Autonomy 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 Autonomy and System Trust (VAST) Department, within VSD, is responsible for advanced autonomy research and engineering for space systems. The department’s broad portfolio supports space and launch vehicles and engages in all areas of autonomy, including the application of artificial intelligence integration into physical systems. The team is seeking a Vehicle Autonomy Engineer (Member of the Technical Staff/Sr. Member of Technical Staff - Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning & Multi-disciplinary Engineering) to advance the leading edge of highly autonomous space systems. This is a full-time position in El Segundo, CA. or Chantilly, VA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field
1 year or more of industry work experience
Experience working with electro-mechanical engineering or software engineering principles
Experience with at least one spacecraft discipline, controls, robotics, or artificial intelligence/machine learning
Experience working on technical teams to solve complex problems and identify analytical or testing verification processes
Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically/internationally) approximately 10% (as required)
This position requires 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
3 years of experience in space vehicles
Experience with at least one vehicle autonomy discipline including spacecraft systems, controls, robotics, and/or applied artificial intelligence/machine learning

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or experience in autonomous systems, controls, or robotics
Experience with hardware-software integrating and communications or embedded systems
Experience integrating and testing AI/ML for autonomous or robotic systems
Experience with vehicle or subsystem modeling, simulation, and evaluation
Experience with methods for Fault, Detection, Isolation, & Recovery (FDIR) or Verification & Validation (V&V) of complex or non-deterministic systems
Proficiency in Linux, Python, C/C++, ROS2, object-oriented programming
Experience with technical writing, including authoring papers
Current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

Provide technical contributions to advanced autonomy research and integration at The Aerospace Corporation
Execute analytical and testing capabilities to meet the needs of highly autonomous systems
Work closely with senior staff to help customers identify their autonomy needs and foster lasting relationships that support the entire design and operational life cycle of critical space systems
Establish Vehicle Autonomy and System Trust subject matter expertise by applying relevant engineering and analytical skills
Provide direct technical support to a variety of space programs with a focus on autonomy, modeling, simulation, and analysis
Conduct experimental investigations in the department’s Collaborative and Autonomous Vehicle Ecosystem lab (CAVE) or Vehicle Autonomy Lab (VAL)
Support ongoing research into Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) development for testing satellite systems incorporating advanced autonomous functions and/or artificial intelligence into their architecture

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