The Aerospace Corporation

Technical Specialist (Propulsion)

El Segundo, CA, United States

$71-106k

Full Time

2 hours ago

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Job description

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 Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise.  PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise. 

The Propulsion Science Department (PSD), within the Space Materials Laboratory of PSL, is the corporations center of excellence for experimental chemical and electric propulsion research and development. Within the chemical propulsion section, we resolve a wide range of launch vehicle and spacecraft propulsion-related issues at various phases, from technology proof of concept to anomaly resolution of propulsion systems in use on flight vehicles.

We are seeking a Technical Specialist (Propulsion) -Technical Specialist- Electromechanical III to join the team supporting engineers, scientist, and ultimately our customers in a rapidly growing space sector. Our department is responsible for the development, test, and application of propulsion technology in support of National Security, Civil, and Commercial Space Programs and other space-related activities.

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing 

You will design and build test fixtures, test setups, and test stands to be used in propulsion and combustion related R&D
S/he will design, build, and operate data acquisition systems, both hardware (measurement modules, sensor suites, and wiring) and software (data acquisition programs)
Design, build, and operate electrical and electronic systems for automation and control of experiments and facility systems
You will design, build, and maintain various pneumatic and hydraulic systems including hazardous high-pressure gas and cryogenic propellant systems
Perform tests with scientists and engineers, while co-developing, executing, and improving test procedures

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for a Technical Specialist (Propulsion) -Technical Specialist- Electromechanical III

High School Diploma or equivalent is required
A minimum of (4) years in a vocational trade school or apprenticeship program and/or professional experience in a hands-on production or construction environment is required
Electro-mechanical assembly, and lab setups
Use basic electrical equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators and/or similar equipment
Competency in use of machine tools such as drill press, belt sander, and other mechanical and tools needed in the fabrication of electrical assemblies and test components
Ability to analyze design requirements, experimental plans, standard processes, and propose appropriate alternatives
Experience working with laboratory safety protocols
Experience with test support electronics and data acquisition systems, including sensor troubleshooting (noise reduction, failure mode assessment, etc.)
Ability to fabricate and build electrical wiring and connections (e.g. soldering, terminating, connecting wires, etc.)
Ability to fabricate and build pressure plumbing systems and mechanical components
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: 

Experience with installation and operation of load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gauges, and flowmeters
Experience with NI LabVIEW, DAQ system development, and PLC programing
Experience with mechanical CAD design and analysis software.
Experience working in and maintaining a hot-fire rocket test or similar high-hazard facility
Experience with chemical laboratory safety, vacuum systems, compressed gases, high-pressure or cryogenic systems (gaseous and liquid), including panel layout and build

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)

$33.92 - $50.88

Pay Basis: Hourly

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.