Space Vehicle 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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) drives improved acquisition decisions, ensures systems are available when and where needed, and system capabilities integrate and work as needed. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. SED spans the acquisition lifecycle from development to operations.

The Vehicle and Ground Implementation Department in SED provides development, assessment, and closure of space vehicle and ground designs to operational fielding. As a Senior Member of the Technical Staff or Engineering Specialist of this department, you will be supporting the acquisition of the next generation of innovative spacecraft and ground systems to solve the most challenging problems of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing space vehicle systems engineering support for customer programs with a focus on Intelligence Community customers
• Leading and participating in studies, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, to assess breadth of space vehicle designs for accuracy and completeness
• Evaluating the feasibility of space vehicle designs during key milestone reviews such as Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, etc.
• Delivering products requiring space vehicle systems engineering expertise
• Working proactively and autonomously with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group
• Establishing high-performing teams with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group
• Mentoring junior members of the department

What You Need To Be Successful

Minimum Requirements: Senior Member of the Technical Staff

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline
• 4 years of increasingly responsible engineering experience
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering
• Experience in leading, developing, and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-range technical studies
• Strong leadership skills and a willingness to mentor earlier career staff
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
• Occasional domestic travel
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI 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 Engineering Specialist requires: 

• More than 8 years of relevant experience in space systems engineering
• Advanced knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering
• Subject matter expertise in spacecraft-level systems engineering to support execution of customer programs
• Proven ability to lead the development of systems engineering processes and initiate capabilities development activities

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline
• Superior knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering topics
• Experience with flight programs across defense and commercial sectors
• Proficiency in commercial simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks
• Strong, demonstrated personal initiative
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels
• Experience with the Intelligence Community

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 - $175,900

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.