Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer
Hiring Locations:
California
2310 E. El Segundo Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245
200 S. Los Robles Ave. Suite 150, Pasadena, CA 91101
Vandenberg Space Force Base
806 13th St. Bldg. 7015, Vandenberg SFB, CA 93437
Utah
Hill Air Force Base
6002 Wardleigh Rd Bldg. 1578, Ste. 200, Hill AFB, UT 84056
Colorado
7250 Getting Heights Colorado Springs, CO 80916
18300 E. Crested Butte Avenue (STOP 49), Buckley SFB, CO 80011
Peterson SPACE Force Base
150 Vandenberg St., Suite 1105, Peterson SFB, CO 80914
New Mexico
2155 Louisiana Blvd. #5000, Albuquerque, NM 87110
2301 Buena Vista Dr. SE, Ste 1100, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Kirtland Air Force Base
3548 Aberdeen Ave SE Bldg 413/Rm 118, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117
Texas
2525 Bay Area Boulevard, Ste. 600 Houston, TX 77058
2101 NASA Road One Johnson Space Center M/C NQ112 Houston, TX 77058
Nebraska
Offutt Air Force Base
101 Nelson Dr. Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Alabama
5030 Bradford Drive, Building 1 Suite 220, Huntsville, Alabama 35805
Ohio
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
4180 Watson Way Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Florida
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
15385 Samuel C Phillips Parkway Building 44410, Room 1060, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Maryland
7850 Walker Drive, Suite 300 Patriot Business Park, Greenbelt, MD 20770
1335 East-West Highway SSMC1 6200 Silver Spring, MD 20910
4231 Suitland Road #1225 Suitland, Maryland 20746
Virginia
14745 Lee Road, Chantilly, VA 20151
4851 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA
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.
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 You’ll 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
This position may require 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 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
An active DoD and/or SSBI 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)
$100,300.00 – $175,900.00
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 other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
