Space Vehicle Mechanisms 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.

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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) team has 20-25 engineers responsible for providing technical mission assurance support to ensure the integrity and reliable operation of moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs) and explosive devices used during separation and deployment events of space vehicles, launch vehicles, and missile systems. The Space Mechanisms Section is responsible for the evaluation of requirements, design, analysis, and testing of space vehicle MMAs in accordance with industry standards. This section works closely and coordinates with other Aerospace technical disciplines, program offices, and contractors in support of our customer's mission needs.

As a Space Vehicle Mechanisms Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering) within the Space Mechanisms Section, you will work with the section managers and other engineering departments to conduct multi-disciplinary analyses that ensure mission success for current and future missions. This position leverages experience in the areas of moving mechanical assemblies, deployment and separation systems, and explosive devices, to support our programs and departmental responsibilities.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Evaluate moving mechanical assemblies for space vehicle, launch vehicle, and missile system programs
• Review and assess designs, analysis results, test plans, command media, and applicable standards
• Perform analyses and modeling of moving mechanical assemblies, deployment, and separation systems
• Work closely with program offices, department technical staff, and management to resolve technical issues and assure mission success
• Prepare and provide reports and briefings to customers and other stakeholders
• Occasionally travel to contractor sites to attend design reviews and witness hardware assembly and testing
• Support technical efforts and work with senior staff in support of program tasks
  
  

What You Need To Be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field
• 3 or more years of applicable professional experience in space vehicle, launch vehicle, or missile system program support in areas of physical sciences or engineering
• Experience with designing, analyzing, testing, or manufacturing moving mechanical assemblies
• Experience with CAD (SolidWorks or equivalent)
• Experience with finite element analysis
• Experience with Python, MATLAB
• Willingness to occasionally travel and/or work off-business hours to support customer needs, 5-10% (as required)
• Current and active Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government
  
  

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM field
• Experience with deployables (motors, gears, hinges, launch restraints), bearings (gimbals, reaction wheels, CMGs), separation systems, or valves
• Knowledge of moving mechanical assembly standards (AIAA-S-114A or NASA-STD-5017B) and environmental testing standards (SSC-S-016 or NASA GEVS)
• Experience with multi-body dynamics analysis (ADAMS or equivalent)
• Experience with command-line interface, high performance computing, Git
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior staff
• Active TS/SCI security clearance
  
  

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)

$100,300.00 - $150,400.00

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 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.