Civil Launch Systems Engineer (Part-time)

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.

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 Civil Launch Systems Engineer Senior Project Engineer – Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering falls within our Civil & Commercial Launch Projects (CCLP), which is responsible for the development, management and support of civil and commercial activities associated with space launch systems.  We bring the corporation’s launch expertise to bear for civil, commercial, and international customers.

Work Model

• This is a part-time position based in El Segundo California, offering a remote work model with occasional travel at customer and/or contractor locations

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment, to react quickly to changing requirements and schedules, and to provide products of consistent high quality
• Coordinate with Aerospace subject matter experts to facilitate work associated with hardware acquisition across the life cycle, including hardware design/development/qualification/testing, hardware/software readiness, independent verification and validation (IV&V), multi-sight activity coordination/communication, milestone reviews, integrated crew readiness, launch site readiness, system integration, and launch activities
• Ensure technical and programmatic synchronization of Aerospace deliverables based on NASA and contractor requirements and deliverables
• Provide subject matter expertise and programmatic leadership for NASA milestone reviews.
• Communicate effectively and be able to summarize and present analysis findings to both Aerospace and NASA Senior Staff
• Operate under the direction of Government personnel or other personnel placed in leadership positions within the team
• Effectively work with multiple projects simultaneously

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer, Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or Science
• 12 or more years of forward-moving related engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments
• Significant experience demonstrating the ability to build, organize and lead technical teams and manage their performance
• Domain expertise with launch vehicle engineering
• Extensive knowledge of aerospace hardware and systems
• Experience demonstrating the ability to build, organize and lead technical teams and manage their performance
• Strong initiative, excellent oral and written communication skills
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US 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:

• Prior experience with project management of launch vehicle mission assurance processes
• Demonstrated leadership skills managing team members and holding them accountable for product delivery
• Familiarity and direct experience with NASA’s Space Launch System

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)

$151,300 - $226,900

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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.