Lane 1 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.

Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

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 well-qualified individual (Vehicle Systems Engineer – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering) with proven technical leadership and outstanding communication abilities to be part of a team that supports and shapes the future of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program (USSF/SSC/AA) as part of the Assured Access to Space (AATS) Directorate.  We on-ramping emerging launch vehicles (e.g., New Glenn, Neutron, Terran R) to accommodate NSS missions that can accept lower reliability and elevated flight risks using the NSSL Lane 1 acquisition approach.  Our team coordinates and maintains support for the evaluation of launch vehicle design, launch service provider processes, operational capabilities, and tiered mission assurance processes.  Are you ready to launch your career in this exciting new mission area?

Work Model

This challenging cutting-edge position is located on-site in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide technical leadership for NSSL Lane 1 acquisition effort, including RFP development, source selection, and contract execution
• Work closely with AATS Director of Engineering and staff to develop and maintain NSSL Lane 1 mission assurance and systems engineering processes
• Develop and maintain NSSL Lane 1 mission assurance command media, contractual documents, and launch verification matrix
• Support launch systems design and process reviews of new entrant (e.g., Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Relativity Space)
• 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 – (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering)

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM or closely related field
• 5 years of professional growth and related experience with launch or space vehicle hardware
• Familiarity with launch or space vehicle hardware design, analysis, and testing
• Track record in coordinating or participating in multi-disciplinary technical team efforts
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret 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 – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering requires the following

• 8 years of professional growth and related experience with launch or space vehicle hardware
• Proven experience with launch or space vehicle hardware design, analysis, and testing
• Track record in coordinating or participating in technical team efforts

How You Can Stand Out

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

• A Master’s Degree in a STEM Field
• Hands-on experience working with launch vehicle or spacecraft hardware
• Expertise in the design, analysis, and testing of launch vehicle or spacecraft hardware
• Proficient in design, analysis, and testing of launch vehicle systems
• Experience with building launch vehicle or spacecraft systems in model-based environments
• Familiar with NSSL processes, specifications, and standards
• Experience using Python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
• Innovative and futuristic thinking to drive continuous improvement

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.