Vehicle Ground Concepts Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA
•$86,600 - $150,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) within the Enterprise Effects Division provides preliminary and conceptual space vehicle and ground system design, trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise, and tool development. The department supports conceptual design activities across the space enterprise and develops spacecraft and ground segment solutions for the U.S. Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial and international customers. The engineer will lead early-stage spacecraft design studies, ranging from individual efforts to larger multidisciplinary teams, and lead ongoing development, maintenance, and improvement of tools and models used in spacecraft concept design and analysis. The role will also support development of VGCD capabilities for assessing ground segment concept design and build strong relationships with government, program office, contractor, and Aerospace engineering personnel. The position is 100% onsite in El Segundo, California, and may require occasional domestic travel. The role may be filled at Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff level, with additional experience and team leadership expectations for the senior level.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
  • At least 2 years of relevant experience working on multidisciplinary engineering teams focused on spacecraft or ground segment design; at least 4 years for Senior Member of Technical Staff.
  • Strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and systems engineering, and some knowledge of ground segment concepts.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
  • Proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office.
  • Demonstrated experience with concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies.
  • Ability to work independently and conduct long-term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs.
  • Occasional domestic travel.
  • Current or active TS/SSBI and ability to maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
  • For Senior Member of Technical Staff, ability to assemble and lead multidisciplinary teams to scope work for often vague problem statements.

Nice To Haves

  • Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or a relevant engineering discipline.
  • Proficiency in one or more commercial simulation tools or programming languages, including MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, or SolidWorks.
  • Strong personal initiative to seek out work, establish relationships across organizations, and identify and correct issues.
  • Experience with the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and other common Aerospace customers.

Responsibilities

  • Lead early-stage spacecraft concept design studies, including individual efforts and studies involving multidisciplinary subject matter expert teams.
  • Lead the continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of tools and models used for spacecraft concept design and analysis.
  • Support development of VGCD capabilities for assessing ground segment concept design.
  • Establish strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel, as well as Aerospace engineering group members.
  • For the Senior Member of Technical Staff level, assemble and lead multidisciplinary teams to scope work in response to often vague problem statements.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
  • 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
  • Relocation assistance.
  • Professional growth and development programs.
  • Education assistance programs.
  • Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
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