Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

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.
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; 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. As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer (MTS/Senior MTS - Propulsion Engineering) you will perform technical evaluation and assessment of spacecraft propulsion systems for high-priority space missions. Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development, manufacturing, test, and operations for multiple programs. You must have a strong technical foundation and be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems, and effectively communicate results and recommendations to inform critical decisions.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines at least (3) regular onsite workdays and some remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for national space missions, using new technologies to allow more responsive operations:
• Develop new and existing tools and analyses to assess the performance of propulsion systems in ground test and flight
• 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 technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and design reviews
• Perform technical evaluation of chemical propulsion systems used for spacecraft programs; resolve unique or novel problems, conditions, and issues
• Provide real-time support during test, launch, operations, and anomaly resolution efforts of spacecraft propulsion systems
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, management, and customers

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer (Member of Technical Staff- Propulsion Engineering) role:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline is required
• Minimum of (2) years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including systems engineering and propulsion system development, production, and operation is required
• 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
• Proficient with standard office software, engineering tools, and scientific/technical programming environments and languages such as MATLAB and Python
• Willing and able to travel domestically and/or internationally at approximately 20% time
• This position may require the 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

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff- Propulsion Engineering) include:

• A minimum of (4) years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment is required

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred
• More than (4) years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment
• Experience in Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) and Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) technical efforts as it relates to spacecraft propulsion
• Familiarity developing tools/models to analyze propulsion system and/or component performance
• Completed course work in astrodynamics, combustion, control theory, systems engineering/design
• Demonstrated expertise with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems including electric propulsion (EP)
• Experience with space system engineering practices and standards
• Experience working closely with customers and/or contractors
• Familiarity with aerospace industry mission assurance practices
• Experience with hot fire testing or working with storable propellant chemical rocket engines
• Demonstrated expertise in hypergolic propulsion systems and/or refueling
• Experience in aerospace industry project management
• An active DoD and/or SSBI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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)
$86,600 - $150,400
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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.