Vehicle Ground Concepts Engineer

Employer 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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. 

  

Vehicle Ground Concepts Department Description  

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.   

  

Work Model  

This position is 100% onsite in either of the following locations; El Segundo, CA. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

Leading early-stage design studies for spacecraft concepts; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts 

Leading continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft concept design and analysis activities 

Supporting the development of similar capabilities within VGCD for the assessment of ground segment concept design  

Establishing strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group 

What You Need To Be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for Member of Technical Staff:    

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline 

2+ years of relevant experience working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams with a focus on spacecraft or ground segment design  

A strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering; some knowledge of ground segment concepts  

Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure  

Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment; proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office 

Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies  

Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs  

Occasional domestic travel   

Current or active TS/SSBI and ability to maintain a TS/SCI clearance 

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff include: 

4+ years of relevant experience working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams with a focus on spacecraft or ground segment design  

Ability to assemble and lead multi-disciplinary teams to scope work for often vague problem statements 

 

How You Can Stand Out  

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

Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline   

Proficiency in commercial simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks  

Strong, demonstrated personal initiative to seek out work, establish relationships throughout organizations, and identify and correct issues as they arise 

Experience with the Intelligence Community, DoD, and other common Aerospace customers 

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)

$86,600.00 - $150,400.00

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 StrategicallyLead 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.