Environments, Test, and Assessment Project 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 Southeast Regional Vehicle Systems Office (SERVO) represents the Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) in support of programs in the Southeastern United States. As the Environments, Tests, and Assessment Project Engineer, you will provide expertise in the field of dynamic environments and environmental test to the Missile Defense Agency, NASA – Marshall, and other local customers in the Huntsville, AL region.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Huntsville, AL, offering a hybrid work model that combines, typically (3) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.  

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as a test architect who can assist with evaluating the comprehensive test requirements of SMC-S-016 and the appropriate included standards for Missile Defense Agency and other government programs.  

• Participate in SMC-S-016 requirements tailoring and implementation.  Assess system design options, performance tradeoffs, flow down of requirements, analysis of interfaces, test procedures and analysis and monitoring of contractor performance.   

• Provide technical assessments of acoustics, shock, vibration analysis, test requirements and data results, qualification test plans and procedures, and risk assessments developed by contractors for components, subsystems, and related hardware, and provide appropriate feedback to program office, customers, and contractor.   Evaluate shock, vibration, and acoustic qualification status for vehicle components, subsystems, and related hardware.  

• Provide test planning and on-site test support for development, qualification and acceptance testing of units and payloads.  Participate in Design Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews, (TRR), Test conduct and data review, and Failure Review Boards (FRB).  

• Serve as the integration leader or coordinator of a team of technical contributors.  When required, initiate, and manage project teams in multi-discipline collaborative work.  

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required

• 8  or more years of industry related experience in structural mechanics engineering is required

• Demonstrated strong technical leadership skills and familiarity with analytical and test techniques for shock, vibration, and acoustics environments

• Experience with applying, editing, tailoring, and maintaining shock, vibration, and acoustics environmental standards 

• Demonstrated ability to build interdisciplinary teams, both external (contractors) and internal (program office, customer, cross-discipline), and foster effective interpersonal relationships with management, peers, program offices, customers, and industry 

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)

• 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. 

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer include: