Propulsion Project Engineer

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 117,300 - 175,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Vacation

401(k) plan

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Telework options

Inclusive environment

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Liquid Propulsion Engineer to support US Space Force programs. You will evaluate contractor hardware, support real-time flight operations, and mitigate propulsion risks.

You will lead analyses, coordinate with Space Force and industry partners, and guide technical teams through verification activities. This on-site role requires a BS in engineering, 6+ years of propulsion experience, and the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field is required.
• Six or more years of related experience with increasing responsibility.
• Ability to interface with contractors and U.S. government customers.
• Willingness to travel to contractor and launch sites.

Responsibilities

• Provide objective evaluations of USSF contractor-built hardware, analyses, and plans.
• Support real-time test and flight operations.
• Identify and evaluate technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Provide actionable recommendations and independent analysis for USSF decision making.
• Collaborate with Vulcan Propulsion System staff, USSF Vulcan program staff, launch vehicle contractor, and NRO Office of Space Launch staff.
• Manage program activities for launch verification and certification of Vulcan Propulsion systems.
• Mentor new Space Force Officers and Aerospace Corporation technology experts.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

6+ years experience

Team leadership

Liquid rocket engines

Systems integration

Contractor interfacing

Security clearance

Travel required

Education

Bachelor of Science in engineering or related field

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

In Vulcan Development and Operations (VDO) subdivision of DSG, we are seeking a Liquid Propulsion Engineer. In this position, you will work directly with the U.S. Space Force to procure and assure successful space launches using the Vulcan rocket within the national security space launch (NSSL) program. Specifically, you will provide evaluations and recommendations regarding liquid propulsion system elements and operation of the Vulcan vehicle. You will coordinate your work with propulsion leads and other domain experts in Aerospace and U.S. Space Force. You will also develop and lead subject matter experts, matrixed from Aerospace’s Engineering Technology Group, to provide you with technical assistance in support of U.S. Space Force decision making. The Vulcan rocket has been assigned the most exciting, unique, and critical launch missions. You will join a team dedicated to the success of those missions and sustaining competitive space access capability into the future.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility at Los Angeles AFB in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide objective evaluations of USSF contractor-built hardware, analyses, and plans
• Support real-time test and flight operations
• Identify and evaluate technical risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Provide actionable recommendations and independent analysis for USSF decision making
• Collaborate to ensure mission success with other Vulcan Propulsion System staff, USSF Vulcan program staff, launch vehicle contractor, and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Office of Space Launch staff
• Manage program activities for launch verification and certification of Vulcan Propulsion systems
• Mentor new Space Force Officers and Aerospace Corporation technology experts, guiding them through technical processes and tasks associated with Vulcan Propulsion Systems

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer - Propulsion Engineering:

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited program in engineering or related technical subject area
• Six or more years related experience with increasing responsibility
• Proven team building skills and ability to work with a multi-discipline team
• Knowledge of or experience with liquid rocket engines and launch vehicle subsystems
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, forge well-founded technical recommendations, and balance technical and programmatic perspectives
• Track record of interfacing effectively with contractors and U.S. government customers
• Travel to contractor and launch sites
• 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

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering or technical subject area
• Expertise in liquid rocket engine design, testing and/or flight operations
• Project management or leadership experience
• Familiarity with National Security Space launch systems and operations
• Experience with rocket engine modeling and analysis
• Knowledge and experience with Aerospace Space Launch Readiness Verification process

Compensation

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)

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• 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

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.