Senior Project Engineer, Product Experience Design and Integration

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 Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is a unique engineering division partnering across the full space enterprise to advance next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil and commercial space, ISCD blends expertise in software architecture, AI/ML systems, data platforms and architecture, advanced cloud and edge infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, digital architectures, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into real-world mission environments.  

The Engineering Applications Department (EAD) within the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to bridge commercial product experience design practices with mission-critical software development. This role will establish and lead the integration of UX/UI design with software development, bringing commercial and industrial best practices to space enterprise systems. 

You'll provide strategic leadership for integrated software development projects, ensuring that product experience design is embedded throughout the development lifecycle. You'll translate commercial UX/UI practices into aerospace and defense contexts, lead cross-functional teams, and establish frameworks that enable seamless collaboration between designers and developers. 

This is a full-time , onsite position based in El Segundo, CA.    

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Establish commercial product experience design best practices and integration frameworks for UX/UI within software development lifecycles 

• Shape technical strategy and investment priorities for product experience capabilities across the organization 

• Maintain awareness of commercial UX/UI trends, design systems, and development methodologies 

• Lead integrated software development projects from concept through delivery across web, desktop, mobile, and immersive platforms 

• Guide technical and design decisions that balance user experience, feasibility, and mission requirements 

• Drive decision-making on architecture, design systems, and implementation approaches 

• Mentor team members in integrated design-development practices and commercial product experience methodologies 

• Build partnerships with customer-facing teams, commercial industry, academia, and government to advance product experience practices 

• Translate mission needs into innovative solutions while establishing clear workflows between design and development teams 

• Interact effectively with customers, leadership, and technical teams across all organizational levels 

• Present complex concepts and project outcomes to diverse audiences from engineers to executives 

• Advocate for user-centered design principles in aerospace and defense contexts 

What You Need to be Successful    

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, HCI, Design, Engineering, or related STEM discipline from an accredited university 

• 10+ years of professional experience in product design, UX/UI design, software development, or integrated product development with proven track record leading complex projects 

• Deep knowledge of commercial product experience design practices, design systems, and UX/UI integration with software development 

• Strong understanding of software development processes, modern frameworks, and how design integrates with technical architecture 

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive complex projects to completion, and influence organizational strategy 

• Demonstrated ability to interact with customers, leadership, and technical teams, translating between business needs and technical solutions 

• Exceptional verbal and written skills for translating between business needs, user requirements, and technical solutions 

• Willing to travel domestically up to 10% 

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD 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    

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in HCI, Design, Computer Science, or related discipline 

• Significant experience in commercial product organizations (tech, SaaS, consumer products) with ability to translate practices to government/defense contexts 

• Background in aerospace, defense, or government sectors with understanding of mission-critical systems 

• Experience building and scaling enterprise design systems integrated with development workflows 

• Experience with AR/VR, game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine), or advanced visualization technologies 

• Hands-on front-end development, APIs, or full-stack development background 

• Publications, presentations, or industry recognition in product experience design or design-development integration 

• Current DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance 

• Strong portfolio demonstrating leadership in integrated design-development projects with measurable impact