Space Systems Engineer

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 86,600 - 150,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Professional growth and development programs

401(k) Plan with company contribution

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Member of the Technical Staff to provide support for space vehicle systems engineering, particularly focused on the United States Space Force. The successful candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline and have experience in spacecraft subsystems and design.

This full-time position is based in El Segundo, California, offering competitive compensation ranging from $86,600 to $150,400 annually, along with comprehensive benefits and a commitment to professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
• Two years of increasingly responsible space vehicle systems engineering experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Providing space vehicle systems engineering support for the United States Space Force.
• Leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams to assess space system designs.
• Developing as a subject matter expert in space vehicle systems engineering.

Skills

Space vehicle systems engineering

Strong personal initiative

Multi-disciplinary team collaboration

Experience with spacecraft subsystems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science discipline

Job description

Aerospace Corporation

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 Systems Engineering Division (SED)

SED offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

Space Systems Implementation Department

As a Member of the Technical Staff (MTS) or Senior MTS of this department, you will be supporting the acquisition of the next generation of innovative space vehicle systems to solve the most challenging problems of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers. The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing space vehicle systems engineering support for customer programs, with a focus on the United States Space Force.
• Leading and participating in studies, to include multi‑disciplinary engineering teams, to assess breadth of space system designs for accuracy and completeness.
• Evaluating the feasibility of space system designs during key milestone reviews such as Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, etc.
• Developing as a subject matter expert in space vehicle systems engineering to support execution of customer programs.
• Establishing strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the MTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
• Two years of increasingly responsible space vehicle systems engineering experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or relevant experience in spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering topics, and spacecraft design.
• Strong, demonstrated personal initiative.
• Experience or strong familiarity with space acquisition programs.
• Experience working on multi‑disciplinary engineering teams and ability to excel in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to travel domestically, on an occasional basis.
• Ability and willingness 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.

Minimum Requirements for the Senior MTS

• More than four years of increasingly responsible space vehicle systems engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge and/or relevant experience of spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering topics, and spacecraft design.
• Experience in leading, developing, and working on multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long‑range technical studies.
• Strong leadership skills and a willingness to mentor earlier career staff.
• Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure.

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or a relevant engineering discipline.
• Advanced knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering topics.
• Experience with flight programs across defense and commercial sectors.
• Experience working with space hardware.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with government and contractor counterparts.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Compensation

The grade‑based pay range for this job is $86,600.00 – $150,400.00 annual.

Benefits

• 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 are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or needs 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.