Sr Engineer - Sentinel Aerospace Vehicle Equipment Solid Propulsion

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, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including United States Space Force, United States Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

The Nuclear Operations Directorate has an immediate opening for a Senior Project Engineer or Leader to support the Sentinel Program Office in the Booster section of the Aerospace Vehicle Equipment (AVE) division. The Sentinel Program is developing the next generation of land based strategic deterrent for the Air Force. In this position you will function as a technical advisor to the Government supporting the development of the solid rocket motors (SRM) and their associated hardware. This includes requirements definition, review and assessment of technical issues, review of all aspects of design, analysis, manufacturing and testing.

Work Model

This position is 100 % onsite at Hill AFB, Utah. This position is predominately in-office to interact with customer and facilitate classified data evaluation.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working independently providing direct, on-site, support to the Sentinel Booster section, AVE division.
• Provide technical support to the development of solid rocket motors and their associated hardware, including thrust vector control (TVC) systems, ordnance, interstages, etc.
• Provide mission assurance for the program ensuring that the Aerospace team is applying expertise to the appropriate aspects of the program.
• Provide front-line engagement to Sentinel leadership up to and including O-6/GS-15 level.
• Coordinate reach-back activities with the Aerospace Engineering Technical Group (ETG) workforce located in El Segundo CA and other Aerospace locations as required.
• Incorporate systems engineering principles for the development of the AVE and associated subsystems.
• Providing technical support and assessment through participation in technical interchange and working group meetings
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for disseminating findings, guidance, and technical information
• Present technical and project status briefings to management and customers
• This position could require up to 25% travel

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
• 15+ years of industry or USAF experience
• Experience and expertise in solid rocket motor development. 
• Willing to travel domestically approx. 25%
• This position requires an Active clearance and/or SCI access and willingness to maintain, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Current, or ability to obtain SAP access.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Relevant experience in SRM development associated with component design, analysis or testing.  (ie composite case, nozzle, propellant grain, performance/ballistics, etc.)
• On-site manufacturing experience or exposure to any SRM component.
• Utilization of systems engineering software such as Cameo, DOORs, etc for the decomposition and evaluation of requirements.
• Active Top Secret clearance and willingness to maintain
• Masters or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in STEM field
• Experience in working with the government and support contractors

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 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 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.

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.