Senior Assembly, Integration and Test- Generalist Engineer

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

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 Department is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. Vehicle Engineering is seeking a Senior Assembly, Integration and Test- Generalist Engineer with outstanding technical skills and the ability to assist the management team with expansion of our customer base.  The candidate will work alongside the Actualization section, responsible for Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) for multiple spacecraft programs, project management, and generalist spacecraft engineering.  In this position you will act as technical authority, lead interfaces between customers' and Aerospace technical staff, and assist the management team with business development. 

Work Model

This full-time position will be a hybrid work model with remote consideration. Nominally based in Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA this role will require access to an Aerospace SCIF on a regular basis and combine regular onsite work with remote flexibility as the business needs allow.  

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Provide spacecraft engineering support to multiple programs in AI&T, project management, and generalist spacecraft 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 satellite and subsystem risks and issues 

• 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 

• Identify new customers, focus areas, and develop new cross-divisional Aerospace partnerships  

This position is available as an Engineering Specialist or a Senior Engineering Specialist

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

Engineering Specialist

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent 

• (8) years of applicable professional 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, aerospace engineering, or multi-disciplinary project management 

• Conduct detailed technical analyses and apply knowledge independently with minimal guidance 

• Ability to communicate effectively and develop relationships with customers, Aerospace, and contractor personnel 

• Demonstration of progressively increasing responsibilities in work assignments / projects  

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  

Senior Engineering Specialist

Same requirements as an Engineering Specialist noted above, in addition to: 

• (12) years of applicable professional 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, aerospace engineering, or multi-disciplinary project management 

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist 

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent 

• 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 

• Knowledge of Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group’s capabilities and demonstrated interaction with their personnel 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Mid - Max)

$105,000 - $140,000 - $185,000

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.