Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer

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.

Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel 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. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Vulcan Development and Operations (VDO) Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) acts as a senior technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, and team leader in evaluating launch vehicle systems in support of National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions. You will primarily provide direct support to the Aerospace Vulcan Chief Engineer (CE) in ensuring the effective execution of the Aerospace launch verification processes. You will lead and organize interactions between the customer (Space Force/OSL), Aerospace technical staff, and contractors, and will coordinate large-scale multidisciplinary activities to support recurring operations and non-recurring design validation activities for the Vulcan launch vehicle program.

Work Model

• This position is full-time based in El Segundo, CA which requires 100% onsite work at the Los Angeles Air Force Base.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide systems engineering for a broad range of technical and launch operation activities

• Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams to ensure that launch vehicle designs, analysis, testing, and documentation are compliant with Space Force requirements

• Directly interface and engage with contractors / subcontractors and maintain cognizance of activities required to ensure a flight-worthy system for launch processing and flight readiness activities

• Provide support to ensure the Chief Engineer Review Board (ChERB) and Aerospace launch readiness verification processes are effectively applied

• Participate in Vulcan launch campaigns and launch rehearsals as the Aerospace Systems Engineer and lead walkdown teams during launch campaigns

• Coordinate the completion of Vulcan Aerospace post-flight reviews and lead program office and Engineering & Technology Group (ETG) resources to assess impacts of flight data anomalies to other NSSL missions

• Build and maintain close working relationships with the Aerospace team, Space Force counterparts, contractors, and representatives from other government agencies

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

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S in engineering or related field

• 10 or more years of experience in systems engineering or related engineering fields with increasing responsibility

• Familiarity with systems engineering and/or technical project management

• Experience with and knowledge of launch vehicle systems design, development, test, and operations

• Experience coordinating and/or participating in multi-disciplinary technical efforts

• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, forge well-founded technical recommendations, and balance technical and programmatic perspectives

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) and integrate solutions across engineering disciplines and various teams

• Willingness to travel occasionally to domestic customer sites or launch sites approximately 20% of the time

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

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in engineering from a recognized institution

• Experience with verification of requirements

• Demonstrated strong experience and knowledge with processing/testing/analysis of launch vehicles

• Knowledge and experience with Aerospace launch verification processes for both recurring operations and non-recurring design validation, and Aerospace processes for launch readiness, launch support, and post-flight reviews

• Experience working in aerospace industry project management and working closely with customers and/or contractors

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)

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.