What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechatronics Engineer position at The Aerospace Corporation?
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 intersection of space vehicle concepts and the enterprise data behind both current and future systems. From this position, VSD delivers innovative, cross-cutting research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; both concept- and tailored-design analysis; assembly, integration, and test support; and operational/mission support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical, aerospace, computer science, and electrical 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; 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 key components such as motors, reaction wheels, gyroscopes, star trackers, encoders, accelerometers, 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.
As a Mechatronics Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/ Engineering Specialist - Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineering) in ECD, you will plan and conduct technical studies and experimental investigations to support customer programs, interacting with government customers, program management, and contractors.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (3-4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as business and customer needs allow.
What You’ll Be Doing
Technical studies often involve review, evaluation, analysis, modeling or simulation of control systems and their components
Experimental investigations in the Mechatronics Research Laboratory (managed by ECD) may include controller design and implementation, data reduction and visualization, sensor and actuator performance evaluation, and electro-optical systems calibration and alignment
Tasks typically involve interaction with government customers, program management, and contractors to support multiple programs. Clear communication of study results while working with both internal and external customers and stakeholders as a technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader
You should have strong people skills which includes collaborating, mentoring, training, motivating and directing employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Mechatronics Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff- Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineering) role:
Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
A minimum of (4) years of applicable professional or industry experience is required
Expertise in laboratory experimentation, test strategy development, experiment design, and integration and testing
A strong working knowledge of electronics, mechanical design, control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators applicable to spacecraft and/or launch vehicles
Experience performing technical support in complex environments (multi-program, multi-agency) involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors
Proficiency in tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE, LabVIEW, SolidWorks, C/C , Python
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interactions with management, program offices, customers, contractors, and colleagues
Willing to travel both domestically and internationally to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
This position requires the 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 the Mechatronics Engineer (Engineering Specialist - Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineering) include:
Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required is required
A minimum of (6) years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment is required
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree in a STEM field with a focus on controls and dynamics is preferred
Preference for candidates with substantial expertise in motors, actuators, and servo control, including experience in design, build, modeling/simulation and test
Experience with launch vehicle and satellite payloads and control, their relationships to other subsystems, and to mission-level performance is desirable
Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems
Demonstrated experience in mentoring junior technical staffs
Demonstrated experience in building and leading a product team.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customer, corporate staff, and contractors
Demonstrated ability to identify new business and bring in tasks and projects from internal and external sources
An Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance, 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)
$100,300 - $175,900Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership 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 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.
Salary : $100,300 - $175,900
