Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

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 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 Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is We Deliver; we work across the space enterprise and deliver timely objective and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success.

As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer (Senior MTS/Engineering Specialist Propulsion Engineering) in the Propulsion Department you will perform technical evaluation and assessment of spacecraft propulsion systems for high-priority space missions. Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development sustainment manufacturing testing and operations for multiple programs. You must be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and confidently advise customers in making critical decisions.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo CA offering a work model that combines at least four regular on-site workdays with remote flexibility as business needs allow.

What Youll Be Doing

Supporting the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for national space missions using new technologies to allow more responsive operations:

• Participate in the overall design development test and evaluation of propulsion systems propellant tanking and delivery subsystems

• Develop program requirements assess risks and hazards; evaluate inspection analysis and test products to support verification or risk/hazard reduction

• Participate in support and/or lead technical interchange meetings hardware reviews flight data reviews Preliminary Design Reviews Critical Design Reviews; evaluate and report upon analyses studies and tests of components and systems

• Perform technical evaluation of chemical propulsion systems used for spacecraft programs; resolve unique or novel problems conditions and issues

• Review contractor products to verify requirement compliance and general propulsion system efficiency and effectivity

• Provide real-time support during test launch and operations of spacecraft propulsion systems

• Function as propulsion system liaison for flight Anomaly Resolution and In-Flight Investigation reviews

• Maintain awareness of multiple program propulsion activities by being an active participant in technical safety and integration working groups and meetings

• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices management and customers

• Closely follow the Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) and Servicing Mobility and Logistics (SML) technical efforts as it relates to spacecraft propulsion and be able to contribute and report as the effort continues to mature

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior MTS Propulsion Engineering

• Advanced degree in a STEM discipline

• 4 years or more of professional engineering/scientific experience including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment

• Experience with in-space spacecraft chemical-propulsion systems and propellant tank / delivery subsystems

• Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts

• Experience working across diverse teams and many different engineering disciplines

• Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace mechanical electrical and chemical engineering heat transfer fluid dynamics and thermodynamics used in the design evaluation and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems for space flight vehicles

• Knowledge in the design and development of major elements of ground test and space flight systems required to demonstrate the utilization of propulsion and propellant systems

• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approx. 10-15% of time

• Current TS/SCI clearance which is issued by the US citizenship is required.

In addition to the above the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist Propulsion Engineering

• 6 years or more of professional engineering/scientific experience including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment

How You Can Stand Out

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

• PhD from an accredited program in a STEM discipline

• Completed course work in astrodynamics combustion control theory systems engineering/design

• Experience with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems

• Experience with space system engineering practices and standards

• Experience working closely with customers and/or contractors

• Experience with hot fire testing or working with storable propellant chemical rocket engines

• Experience in hypergolic propulsion systems and/or refueling

• Experience in aerospace industry project management

• Knowledge and understanding of DOD program life cycle

• Current involvement and specialization in the Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) and Servicing Mobility and Logistics (SML) technical efforts

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)

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.