Technical Lead- Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation

Job Summary 

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 Electromechanical Control Department (ECD) is a vital component of VSD, entrusted with the critical role of providing unparalleled technical support in the realm of control system hardware and algorithms for both spacecraft and launch vehicles. ECD subject matter experts specialize in pivotal components such as gyroscopes, star trackers, encoders, motors, accelerometers, reaction wheels, fast steering mirrors, servo mechanisms, GPS receivers, thrust vector control, and more.  This dynamic department engages in extensive technical studies and experimental investigations to bolster customer programs.  These activities encompass everything from control system analysis, simulation, and evaluation to real-world testing of control hardware and sensor systems.  ECD's endeavors often necessitate seamless collaboration with government stakeholders, program managers, and contractors.

As the Technical Lead- Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation within ECD, you will spearhead technical leadership, mentorship, and career growth for our team members. You will foster their professional development through targeted assignments, mentoring relationships, specialized training, and consistent feedback. Collaborating with the department director and section managers, you will contribute to staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and other supervisory responsibilities. Your role will also encompass guiding technical studies, simulations, analyses, and testing of electromechanical control systems to support a range of satellite and launch vehicle programs. By applying engineering principles, you will tackle multifaceted challenges, participate in strategic planning, and provide expert insights on customer projects. 

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA (with options for various locations nationwide) offering a hybrid work model that combines (3-4) days per week of regular onsite workdays with remote flexibility as the business needs allow.   

What You’ll Be Doing

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Technical Lead- Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required

• A minimum of (5) years of relevant professional or educational experience

• Expertise in laboratory experimentation, test strategy development, experiment design, and integration and testing

• Profound understanding of electronics, mechanical design, control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators

• Experience with spacecraft and/or launch vehicle control hardware

• Track record of offering technical support in complex environments (multi-program, multi-agency) involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors

• Proven experience in training and mentoring junior technical staff. 

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interactions with management, program offices, customers, contractors, and colleagues

• Willingness to travel up to 25% and work outside regular business hours to accommodate customer needs

• 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: 

• Advanced degree in a STEM field is preferred

• (8) or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience is strongly preferred

• Demonstrated aptitude for innovative problem-solving to challenging technical problems 

• Preference would be given to candidates with significant experience in system engineering, launch vehicle systems, space vehicle control systems, space vehicle payload systems, mechanical design, additive manufacturing, structural analysis, dynamics, electronic circuit design and analysis, optics, GPS receiver testing, servo mechanism performance evaluation, small satellite development, unmanned aircraft systems, or robotics

• Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads and control, their relationships to other subsystems, and to mission-level performance is desirable. 

• Proven background in mentoring and team-building

• Proficiency in tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE, LabVIEW, SolidWorks, C/C++, Python

• An active secret security clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI access, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance