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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas, data, and information that shape the future of launch and space vehicle systems. VSD supplies innovative research, concept development, technical evaluations during system acquisition and design, and support during assembly, integration, test, and operation. Our team of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers provides national expertise in vehicle engineering, robotics, electro-mechanical devices, embedded systems, fluid mechanics, propulsion, thermal control, orbital mechanics, mechanisms, structures, structural dynamics, dynamic environments, and guidance, navigation, and controls.

The Aerospace Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for government and commercial applications. As part of our lean, high-performance team, the Propulsion Engineer will collaborate with aerospace companies and laboratories across the country to deliver the next generation of space systems. Your work will enable our customer to make critical decisions and deliver critical national capabilities in space on time, every time. S/he will apply rigorous scientific and engineering principles to perform evaluations of space launch propulsion systems and develop and deliver technical assessments to both technical and non-technical audiences .

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA that can support telework multiple days per week, as the business needs allow.

What You'll Be Doing

• You will evaluate liquid rocket propulsion system design, performance, and applications , and assist ing in the development of new propulsion systems and component technology
• S/he will develop new and existing tools and analyses to assess the performance of space propulsion systemsin ground test and flight
• You will identify, assess , and help mitigate hardware and operational risks associated with components, systems, and interfaces
• Providing real-time support to customer test, flight, and anomaly resolution efforts
• S/he will participate in technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and other similar activities to assess flight readiness of propulsion systems
• You will participate in multidisciplinary engineering and project teams
• Preparing reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, government personnel, and other customers

This position is available as a Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Member of Technical Staff

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
• Typically, 2 years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
• Familiarity in one or more of the following subjects: Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer, Fluid Mechanics including Compressible Flow, Propulsion System Design, Combustion/Reacting Flows, Mechanical Systems, Fundamentals of Structural Analysis and Materials
• Proficiency with standard office software, engineering tools, and scientific/technical programming environments and languages including MATLAB and Python
• Experience with and/or knowledge of rocket propulsion system design and modeling
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, which is used by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Senior Member of Technical Staff

Same requirements as a Member of Technical Staff noted above, in addition to:

• Typically, 5 years of applicable professional or educational experience is required

How You Can Stand Out

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

Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is highly preferred
• Experience in combustion/reacting flows, t urbomachinery, rotordynamics , liquid rocket engine testing, structural dynamics, properties of engineering materials, control theory, and/or propulsion system engineering
• Familiarity with engine cycle analysis/power balance modeling
• Experience with fault-tree and/or fishbone investigations to determine root cause of anomalies
• Familiarity with digital engineering concepts and processes
• Experience with data analysis process automati on and integration with digital engineering workflows
• Experience with machine learning/artificial intelligence applications in engineering is strongly desired

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 - Mid - Max)
$70,000 - $105,000 - $130,000

Pay Basis: Annual

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal , as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement .