2027 Vehicle Systems Software Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation’s Vehicle Systems Software Department seeks a Vehicle Systems Software Engineer to join the team on-site in El Segundo, CA. You will develop models, run software-in-the-loop tests, and support day-of-launch mission assurance activities.

Ideal candidates have degrees in engineering or physics, strong Python/Java/C/C++ skills, Linux experience, and familiarity with real-time embedded software. Travel and security clearance willingness are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, physics or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).
• Experience programming in Python, Java, C/C++.
• Experience with Linux/Unix environments and version control.
• Knowledge of real-time embedded software development and testing.
• Willing to travel ~10% and able to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop models of space system components for software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop simulations.
• Test and analyze software on launch vehicles, spacecraft, and CubeSats.
• Maintain simulations to support software validation and day-of-launch readiness.
• Create tools to enhance analysis and simulation capabilities.
• Design and run software tests using HIL/SIL testbeds.
• Provide objective assessments for flight software safety and mission readiness.

Skills

Python

Java

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

GitLab

Jenkins

Job description

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.

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 Vehicle Systems Software Department performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the flight software development process, from requirements definition to day-of-launch and on-orbit operations.

VSSD is seeking an Vehicle Systems Software Engineer (Member of Technical Staff / Sr. Member of Technical Staff— Multidisciplinary Guidance Navigation & Control) with a passion for space and software development to be part of our team. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop models of space system components such as sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics for use in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators
• Conduct tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical components of space systems.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of these simulations to support software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities.
• Develop tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.
• Design, develop, and execute software tests using high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testbeds
• Deliver objective technical assessments that empower customers to confidently evaluate flight software safety and mission readiness
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
• Training and mentorship will be provided

What You Need to be Successful – Associate Member of Technical Staff

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, physics or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 0-1 years of applicable professional experience
• Experience programming in Python, Java, C/C++
• Experience with version control systems and Linux/Unix environments
• Relevant project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling & simulation
• Understanding in developing and/or testing real-time embedded software
• Proficiency with software development processes and tools including compilers, IDEs, software engineering, and coding standards
• Willing to travel occasionally to customer site approx. 10 % of the time
• 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 Member of Technical Staff: Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, physics or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

How You Can Stand Out

• Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads, their relationships to other subsystems, and to mission-level performance is desirable
• Experience with Linux/Unix systems, network architecture, and cyber security
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Experience with VHDL/Verilog
• Experience with GitLab, Jenkins, or other CI/CD tools
• Experience with machine learning and AI development

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) $90,000.00 - $115,000.00 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

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.

Right Place The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges. Right Path Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development. Right Purpose We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.

Return to the Aerospace Careers site. Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.

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 [e-mail] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.