The Launch Systems, Operations, and Development team within the Launch Systems Division is seeking a well-qualified individual with demonstrated leadership and exceptional communication abilities. As a Thermal and Fluid Systems Project Engineer you will manage and provide leadership for a team of Engineering & Technology Group (ETG) engineers to evaluate, certify, and provide mission assurance for aerodynamic, fluid mechanics, and thermal systems used on the SpaceX Falcon 9, Heavy Launch System, and other National Security Space Launch payload vehicles for the United States Space Force. You will be responsible for ensuring ETG consistently provides technically sound and objective assessments along with recommendations to Aerospace and Space Force leadership within appropriate timelines and budget allocations for the purposes of launch vehicle certification and operational mission assurance. You will also be responsible for providing direction, mentoring, and developing the technical and functional capabilities of the team while also building effective working relationships with the Space Force team, contractor counterparts (e.g. SpaceX and their suppliers), and other interested parties (e.g. NRO and NASA). 
 

This position can be filled as a Level 2: Project Engineer OR as a Level 3: Sr. Project Engineer.

 Key Functions

• Coordinate with the engineering teams for all necessary independent analysis and verification efforts, for supporting critical program and technical reviews and serve as the technical focal point in the Aerodynamics, Fluids, and Thermal technical areas to internal and external agencies

• Support activities related to launch vehicle analysis, design, development, evaluation, testing, certification, mission assurance, and fleet monitoring

• Collaborate with other program office staff responsible for other aspects of launch systems (such as Avionics, Propulsion, Structures, and GNC)

• Support management and systems engineering activities as needed

• Prepare reports, briefings, and documents as needed in support of program activities and Aerospace processes

• Build and maintain close working relationship with the Space Force and Aerospace program offices, Contractor certification personnel, and representatives from other government agencies

• Provide technical advice/recommendations and inform Customer/Aerospace management of technical activities, issues and accomplishments through reports and briefings to senior level management

Qualifications
Required

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical field from a recognized institution

• 8 or more years of applicable experience (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)

• Experience in Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics or Thermal Systems analysis/evaluation, certification, design, modeling, manufacturing, or testing

• Experience coordinating system level reviews and assessments

• Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary technical team efforts

• A current Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

 
Required for Senior Project Engineer 

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical field from a recognized institution

• 12 or more years of applicable experience (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)

• Experience in Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics or Thermal Systems analysis/evaluation, certification, design, modeling, manufacturing, or testing

• Experience leading system level reviews and assessments

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary technical team efforts

• A current Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Preferred

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with emphasis in Thermal Sciences, Aerodynamics or CFD from a recognized institution

• Familiarity with Standard Interface Specification requirements as well as SMC standards related to launch vehicle and spacecraft environments

• Experience in developing and delivering presentations to peers and all levels of management

• Experience working as consultant or advising external groups

• Experience working with government customers

• Knowledge of the Aerospace Corporation, its mission, and its organizational structure

• Experience leading multiple large multi-disciplinary technical team efforts in management or project management

• Must be physically able to enter manufacturing facility, travel to test sites, and travel to launch site to support missions, and travel between campuses

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