Space Systems 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.

The Launch Systems Division (LSD) helps our customers develop innovative solutions in support of military, human space flight, and commercial applications by interfacing with organizations such as the United States Space Force, NASA, DARPA, NRO, and FAA.  Our people provide customers timely, value added, decision quality information and analyses to solve technical and programmatic issues to outpace the threat.

We are seeking a Space Systems Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering) with proven leadership and outstanding communication abilities to be part of a team that supports and shapes the future of the Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program (USSF/SSC/AAA) as part of the Assured Access to Space (AATS) Directorate.  Our team provides technical subject matter expertise to support future SML procurements and engineering support in executing space vehicle prototype contract(s) to advance SML capabilities.  The program will also focus on refueling satellites in space as well as capabilities such as space tugs, orbital debris mitigation and activities in cislunar space.  Are you ready to launch your career in this exciting new mission area?

Work Model

Challenging cutting-edge position is in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work closely with AAE and SML Program Offices on program management and systems engineering
• Coordinate and provide engineering support for SML prototype contract(s)
• Provide technical expertise to support SML procurement strategy
• Develop SML interface documents and standards
• Communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, Space Force, and contractor teams

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff – Enterprise Systems Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical subject area
• 4+ years of professional growth and related experience with space vehicle hardware
• Exposure with space vehicle hardware design, analysis, and testing
• Track record in coordinating or participating on multi-disciplinary technical teams
• Some demonstrated ability to work independently and directly with customers
• Ability to travel as needed (mostly domestic)
• This position requires a secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the Project Engineer – Enterprise Systems Engineering requires:

What You Need to be Successful – Project Engineer

Minimum Requirements:

• 6+ years of professional growth and related experience with space vehicle hardware
• Demonstrated experience with space vehicle hardware design, analysis, and testing
• Track record in coordinating or participating on multi-disciplinary technical teams

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Expertise in design, analysis, and testing of spacecraft hardware
• Hands-on experience working with small prototype space vehicles
• Experience with Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD), Servicing, Assembly, or Manufacturing
• Experience with DoD requirements, budgeting, and procurement processes
• Experience collaborating with the USSF, NASA, NRO/OSL and industry partners

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 - Max)

$100,300 - $175,000

Pay Basis: Annual

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.