Spacecraft Propulsion 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 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.  The Spacecraft Propulsion section is looking for a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist – Propulsion Engineering).  In this role, you will perform technical evaluations and assessments 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 on making critical decisions.   

 

What You’ll Be Doing

Supporting the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for national space missions, using new technologies to allow more responsive operationsParticipate in the overall design, development, test, and evaluation of propulsion systems, propellant tanking, and delivery subsystemsDevelop program requirements, assess risks and hazards; evaluate inspection, analysis, and test products to support verification or risk/hazard reductionParticipate 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 systemsPerform technical evaluation of chemical propulsion systems used for spacecraft programs; resolve unique or novel problems, conditions, and issuesReview contractor products to verify requirement compliance and general propulsion system efficiency and effectivityProvide real-time support during test, launch, and operations of spacecraft propulsion systemsFunction 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 meetingsPrepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, management, and customersClosely 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 Member of Technical Staff – Propulsion Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline5 years or more of professional experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environmentExperience with in-space spacecraft chemical-propulsion systems and propellant tank / delivery subsystemsExperience performing thermal and fluid analyses on spacecraft propulsion systems such as water hammer, priming, orifice sizing, propellant filter sizing, feed-system pressure losses, propellant slosh, propellant loading, etc.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 vehiclesKnowledge in the design and development of major elements of ground test and space flight systems required to demonstrate the utilization of propulsion and propellant systemsWillingness to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 10-15% of the timeAbility 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 are:

Master’s degree or PhD in a STEM discipline8 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:

Completed course work in astrodynamics, combustion, control theory, systems engineering/designExperience with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems including electric propulsion (EP) systemsExperience with space system engineering practices and standardsExperience working closely with customers and/or contractorsExperience with hot fire testing or working with storable propellant chemical rocket enginesExperience in hypergolic propulsion systems and/or refuelingExperience in aerospace industry project managementCurrent involvement and specialization in the Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) and Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) technical effortsAn active DoD and 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)

$106,300.00 - $197,000.00

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.