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Space Vehicle Concept Design Engineer


Job Location:

El Segundo, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 86600 - 129800
Posted: 17 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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 youll be part of a special collection of problem solvers thought leaders and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospaces strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The divisionleveragesa broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs customers and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

Vehicle Ground Concepts Department Description

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis modeling processdevelopmentand leadershipexpertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force Intelligence Community NASA NOAA and commercial/international customers.

Work Model

This position is 100% onsite in either of the following locations; El Segundo CAor Chantilly VA.

WhatYoullBe Doing

  • Leading early-stage design studies for spacecraft concepts; types of studies can include both small individual efforts as well as larger multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts

  • Leading continuous development maintenance and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft concept design and analysis activities

  • Supporting the development of similar capabilities within VGCD for the assessment of ground segment concept design

  • Establishing strong working relationships with government program office and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospaces engineering group

What You NeedToBe Successful

MinimumRequirements for Member of Technical Staff:

  • Bachelors degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline

  • 2 years of relevant experience working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams with a focus on spacecraft or ground segment design

  • A strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering; some knowledge of ground segment concepts

  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment adapt quickly to change anddemonstrateinitiative under pressure

  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment;proficiencywith office and collaboration tools such as MS Office

  • Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools processes and methodologies

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs

  • Occasional domestic travel

  • This position requires ability to obtain andmaintaina Top Secret/SCI security clearance which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship isto obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

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

  • Current Top Secret/SCI clearance

  • Advanced degree (Mastersor Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline

  • Proficiencyin commercial simulation tools/programming languages including one or more of: MATLAB Python Simulink STK C SolidWorks

  • Strongdemonstratedpersonal initiative to seek out workestablishrelationships throughout organizations andidentifyand correct issues as they arise

  • Experience with the Intelligence Community DoD and other common Aerospace customers

We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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)

$86600.00 - $129800.00

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 otherthe 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 equalopportunity 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 colorreligiongeneticinformation 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 youre 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 emailat .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.


Required Experience:

IC


About Company

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Aerospace operates the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering.

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