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Propulsion 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.
Join our cutting-edge Propulsion Department and play a critical role in shaping the future of human space exploration. As Propulsion Systems Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer - Propulsion Engineering), you will work in close collaboration with our NASA customer and industry contractors to execute propulsion system development, sustainment, manufacturing, testing, and operations across multiple advanced programs. You should be eager to embrace new technologies and confident in advising customers on breakthrough strategies and critical decision-making.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Partner with teams to design, manufacture, and operate space vehicles and rocket propulsion systems
- Leverage critical inquiry and scientific methodology to solve complex challenges
- Review test plans, reports, anomalies, variances, hazard reports, and verification documents ensuring all aspects meet stringent criteria
- Identify and assess system risks while developing and implementing mitigation strategies
- Participate in the program risk management process, including preparing presentations for the Chief Engineer’s Office and Program Management
- Collaborate with partners to develop innovative, risk-informed solutions and effectively communicate recommendations to senior leadership.
- Serve as a key member of the Mission Support Team responsible for on-console flight monitoring
- Analyze, design, and operate spacecraft, investigating phenomena encountered during flight operations.
- Act as a technical authority during design certification, system acceptance reviews, flight test readiness evaluations, and Certification of Flight Readiness
- Work alongside NASA aerospace engineers to integrate new technologies, enhance reliability, extend vehicle lifespans, and reduce total ownership costs.
What You Need to Be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field
- 10 years’ professional engineering/scientific experience, with demonstrated expertise in systems engineering and/or project management.
- Experience with in-space spacecraft chemical propulsion systems and associated propellant tank/delivery subsystems
- Hands-on familiarity with the design, development, qualification, and acceptance criteria for pressure-fed in-space bi-propellant NTO/MMH engines
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, approximately 10% of the time
- U.S. citizenship required (to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance)
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Hands-on mission operations experience
- Direct involvement with hot fire testing or storable
- Familiarity with space system engineering practices and standards
- Understanding of NASA and/or DoD life cycle programs
- Experience with space flight certification processes (knowledge of NPR 7120, EA-WI-023, or equivalent DoD processes is a plus)
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
- A 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 . You can also review
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