Propulsion Engineer
In an era of dynamic change in space, Aerospace is addressing a generation of complex challenges. We operate the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering. Join our team and thrive in a career that matters to the world and you personally.
As the Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer, you will be supporting propulsion system development, manufacture, testing, and operations for multiple programs. S/he should be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems to identify and achieve the strategic and organizational objectives that flow from corporate goals.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing a safe and diverse workplace for all employees who share a common passion and aspiration – to serve a mission much bigger than ourselves. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a rare collection of thought leaders and game-changing innovators.
Key Functions
Support the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for critical national security space missions, using new technologies to allow more responsive operations
Provide real-time support during test, launch, and early operations of spacecraft propulsion systems, investigating failures and anomalies and recommending improved designs and processes as needed
Perform technical evaluation of chemical and electric propulsion systems used for spacecraft programs:
Use existing tools and help develop new tools and analyses to assess performance, estimate margins, and evaluate anomalies
Identify, assess, and help mitigate hardware and operational risks associated with design, components, and interfaces
Participate in technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and other similar activities to assess flight readiness of propulsion systems
Participate in project teams within or external to the propulsion department
Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, government personnel, and other customers
Qualifications
Required
Master’s degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
Minimum of (2) years of applicable full-time professional or educational experience is required
Coursework or professional experience in the following:
Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and electromagnetism
Propulsion system design, electric propulsion technology
Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct technical tasks to solve technical problems
Experience utilizing software-based tools (e.g. MATLAB or Python) for engineering analyses
This position requires the 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
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is preferred
Completed course work in astrodynamics, plasma physics, control theory, systems engineering/design
Experience with spacecraft propulsion systems is highly desirable
Experience with space system engineering practices and standards is strongly preferred
Experience working with customers and/or contractors would be a plus
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 and/or SSBI Secret security clearance, which is issued by the US government is strongly preferred
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:
- A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility and respect
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
- Flextime and virtual work options (if applicable)
- 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, regardless of whether you contribute
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- Flexible spending accounts
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
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 [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.