Launch Vehicle Engineer - El Segundo, CA

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 s ...

Job description

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Launch Systems, Operations, and Development (LSOD) team within the Launch Systems Division is seeking a well-qualified individual with demonstrated leadership and exceptional communication abilities to coordinate the continuous configuration evaluation of the Falcon Launch System and manage New Glenn certification activities. The Launch Vehicle Engineer will coordinate and maintain support for the evaluation of the Falcon launch vehicle design, operational capabilities, and mission assurance to ensure it meets the government evaluation criteria for non-recurring design validation and recurring verification. Responsibilities will also include independent verification and validation support for New Glenn certification. This is an excellent opportunity to develop new verification methodologies and tools to improve assessment and tracking efficiency.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Coordinating Structural Loads and Dynamic Environments analyses
• Serve as a Launch Vehicle Loads technical focal point for ETG, contractor, and customer interactions
• Work closely with the Falcon Chief Engineer and Assured Access to Space Directorate to maintain the technical baseline
• Coordinate and maintain support for the evaluation of the Falcon Launch System design, operational capabilities, and mission assurance
• Ensure Falcon Launch System meets the government evaluation criteria for non-recurring design validation, recurring verification, and reuse extension
• Ensure the Falcon Launch System interface and vehicle requirements and documentation are compliant with EELV program top-level requirements
• Support configuration control efforts to maintain vehicle baseline acceptance

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements - Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering:

• B.S. in Engineering or Physical Science from a recognized institution
• 8 or more years of applicable launch aerospace engineering experience (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)
• Experience in working with variety of engineering disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with numerous internal and external organizations
• This position requires 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 Senior Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering include:

• 12 or more years of applicable launch and aerospace engineering experience (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)
• Experience with dynamic testing and assessment of complex structures and components

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering or related discipline
• Advanced knowledge of Structural Dynamics and/or Dynamic Environments methodologies and tools
• Familiarity with Standard Interface Specification requirements and System Performance Requirements Document as well as SMC standards related to launch vehicle and spacecraft environments
• Working knowledge of the mission assurance process and ability to technically coordinate that through multiple disciplines

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)

$117, $226,900.00Pay 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 or by email at  . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.