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.

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; 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. As a Propulsion Engineer (Engineering Specialist- Propulsion Engineering) you will perform technical evaluation and assessment of propulsion systems for high-priority space missions.  Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development, manufacturing, test, and operations for multiple programs.  You must have a strong technical foundation and be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems, and effectively communicate results and recommendations to inform critical decisions.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines at least three regular onsite workdays and some remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Identify, coordinate, and execute analyses, evaluations, and tests for launch and in-space propulsion systems in the design, development, qualification, and operational phases:
  • Evaluate and assist in the development of new propulsion systems and component technologies
  • Develop new and existing tools and analyses to assess the performance of propulsion systems in ground test and flight
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate hardware and operational risks associated with components, systems, and interfaces
  • Provide real-time support to customer test, flight, and anomaly resolution efforts
  • Lead technical interchange meetings and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to resolve issues
• Participate in hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and other technical activities to assess flight readiness of propulsion systems
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, government personnel, and other customers
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Propulsion Engineer (Engineering Specialist- Propulsion Engineering) role:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline is required
• Minimum of (6) years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including systems engineering and propulsion system development, production, and operation is required
• Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics used in the design, evaluation and optimization of propulsion systems
• Proficient with standard office software, engineering tools, and scientific/technical programming environments and languages such as MATLAB and Python
• Willing and able to travel domestically and/or internationally at approximately 20% time
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US 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 aerospace or mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred
• (10) or more years of experience in propulsion system engineering is preferred
• Experience with spacecraft propulsion systems
• Experience in combustion/reacting flows, turbomachinery, engine/motor testing, properties of engineering materials, and/or propulsion system engineering
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, analysis, performance modeling, testing, and/or operation of propulsion systems including solid rocket motors, liquid rocket engines, hypersonic systems
• Familiarity with digital engineering concepts and processes
• Experience working with DOD customers and/or contractors
• Familiarity with aerospace industry mission assurance practices

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)

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 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement. 

Salary : $117,300 - $175,900