Senior Engineering Specialist (GNC)

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.

Job Summary

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 Electromechanical Control Department (ECD) is a vital component of VSD, entrusted with the critical role of providing unparalleled technical support in the realm of control system hardware and algorithms for both spacecraft and launch vehicles. ECD subject matter experts specialize in pivotal components such as gyroscopes, star trackers, encoders, motors, accelerometers, reaction wheels, fast steering mirrors, servo mechanisms, GPS receivers, thrust vector control, and more. This dynamic department engages in extensive technical studies and experimental investigations to bolster customer programs. These activities encompass everything from control system analysis, simulation, and evaluation to real-world testing of control hardware and sensor systems. ECD's endeavors often necessitate seamless collaboration with government stakeholders, program managers, and contractors.

This position is seeking a Senior Engineering Specialist (GNC) subject matter expert (SME) in the technical areas of Electric Motors, Star Trackers, or GPS Receivers.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA (with options for various locations nationwide) offering a hybrid work model that combines (3-4) days per week of regular onsite workdays with remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You'll Be Doing

• Program Support: Serve as the technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader on multiple programs, collaborating seamlessly with both internal and external customers
• Technical Guidance: Provide invaluable oversight, guidance, and expert advice on customer projects, including specialized analytical and experimental studies pertaining to spacecraft and launch vehicle control system hardware
• Electromechanical Expertise: Leverage your profound expertise in the field of electromechanical control systems to drive innovation and excellence
• Quality Assurance: Thoroughly evaluate and verify contractor designs, methodologies, and overall system performance to ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for a Senior Engineering Specialist (GNC):

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
• Minimum of (12) years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
• Relevant experience in laboratory experimentation, developing test strategies, experiment design, and integration and test
• A strong working knowledge of electronics, mechanical design and structures, control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators
• Experience with spacecraft and/or launch vehicle control hardware
• Experience providing technical support in multi-program, multi-agency environments, engaging seamlessly with government program office personnel, engineering support, and contractors
• Experience training and mentoring less experienced technical staff
• The ability to communicate effectively in oral and written communication, with the ability to interact effectively with higher management, program offices, customers, contractors, and colleagues
• Willingness to travel up to 25% and work outside regular business hours to accommodate customer needs
• 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

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM field is preferred
• 15 or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience is strongly desired
• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems
• Preference would be given to candidates with significant experience in system engineering, launch vehicle systems, space vehicle control systems, space vehicle payload systems, mechanical design, additive manufacturing, structural analysis, dynamics, electronic circuit design and analysis, optics, GPS receiver testing, servo mechanism performance evaluation, small satellite development, unmanned aircraft systems, or robotics
• Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads and control, their relationships to other subsystems, and their impact on mission-level performance
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and building a product team
• Proficiency with any of the following tools: MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE, LabVIEW, SolidWorks, C/C , Python
• An active secret security clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI access, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a 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)
$117,300 - $175,900

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 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, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.