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.

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)

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.