2025 Explosives Applications 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 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 Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) is a team of 20-25 engineers responsible for providing technical mission assurance support to ensure the integrity and reliable operation of moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs) and explosive devices for spacecraft, launch vehicles, and missile systems.

The Explosives Applications Section is responsible for the design, analysis, and test methodologies pertaining to explosively actuated and pyrotechnic devices, as well as high pressure shock and hypervelocity impact phenomena. The section coordinates with other Aerospace technical disciplines, program offices, and contractors in support of our customer’s mission needs. 

As an MSD Explosives Applications Engineer, you will work with the section manager, as well as other engineering departments, in conducting multi-disciplinary analyses, to ensure mission success and developing future systems.

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Evaluating separation and deployment systems and explosive devices for launch vehicle, spacecraft, and missile programs.

• Performing hydrocode simulations for explosively actuated devices and hypervelocity impact scenarios.

• Participating in the development/refinement of analysis tools and techniques, including hydrocode analysis methodologies.

• Working closely with the team to resolve technical issues, and assure project success.

• Preparing written reports and provide inputs to briefings to customers and other stakeholders.

• Occasionally traveling to contractor sites to attend design reviews and witness hardware assembly and testing.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• M.S. degree from an accredited program in Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 

• 0-1 years of industry work experience

• Understanding of, and experience with, energetic material properties and behaviors that inform applications

• Experience in design, analysis, or testing of energetic materials, components or systems

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

• This position requires 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering field or equivalent

• Active TS/SCI security clearance

• Experience with broad range of hardware comprising separation and deployment devices typical of spacecraft and launch vehicles, including missile systems.

• Experience in design, analysis, and testing of explosive devices and systems.

• Experience with test plans, procedures, and methods for explosive devices and systems. 

• Understanding of applicable explosive properties and behaviors that inform applications, with desired strength in the area of initiation and energy output characteristics of the various categories of explosives. 

• Knowledge of, and experience with, types of analyses to examine design alternatives, investigate failures, verify performance and/or check compliance with applicable specifications.

• Knowledge of AIAA S-113A-2016 standard.

• Experience in the use of hydrocode analysis tools (CTH, LS-DYNA) and Cheetah. 

• Understanding of high-strain-rate physics, shock compression of condensed matter, and/or thermochemistry.

• The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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)

$86,000 - $105,000

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.