Mission Design Engineer/Senior Mission Design Engineer full_time

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

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 Launch Operations Division (LOD) in DSG provides technical support to the Space Systems Command (SSC) Assured Access to Space (AATS) Launch Enterprise in the form of technical support for the design certification of the Vulcan launch system and independent launch readiness verification in support of National Security Space (NSS) missions to be launched on the Vulcan vehicle. The Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer – Flight Mechanics in the Performance and Control Analysis group within LOD will provide technical, systems engineering and programmatic leadership for mission design areas including mass properties and flight operations. The selected candidate will work with the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG), the government customer and the contractor and will be responsible for identifying technical and certification-related issues/risks and executing and closing tasks. The candidate will also mentor less experienced MTS and serve as a role model.   

Work Model  

This is a hybrid position that requires at least three days onsite at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, CA.  

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Technical, systems engineering, and programmatic leadership for Mission Design 
• Capability to cross-train and assist in the areas of Flight Operations and Mass Properties 
• Acting as primary interface between Systems Analysis, SSC/LE, engineering staff, launch vehicle contractor, and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Office of Space Launch 
• Management of launch verification efforts for Mission Design and Flight Operations 
• Management of launch vehicle certification efforts for Mission Design and Mass Properties 
• Coordination of analysis activities with Aerospace engineering staff and the launch vehicle contractor 
• Mentoring of new Space Force Officers to help them gain familiarity with technical processes and tasks associated with Mission Design, as well as Flight Operations and Mass Properties

What You Need to be Successful – Project Engineer – Flight Mechanics 

What You Need to Be Successful:  

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited program in engineering or related technical discipline 
• Eight or more years relevant experience with increasing responsibility 
• Experience in trajectory and performance analysis 
• Knowledge of or experience with launch vehicle subsystems 
• Can interface effectively with senior Aerospace management, Space Force, and contractor counterparts 
• Ability to solve complex problems, forge well-founded technical recommendations, and balance technical and programmatic perspectives 
• Ability to travel minimally, less than 10%
• This position requires an active secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance 

In addition to above, the Sr. Project Engineer – Flight Mechanics requires the following: 

• Twelve or more years relevant experience with increasing responsibility 
• Track record of interfacing effectively with senior Aerospace management, customer, and contractor counterparts 
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, forge well-founded technical recommendations, and balance technical and programmatic perspectives 

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering or technical discipline 
• Knowledge in Mass Properties and/or Flight Operations 
• Familiarity with National Security Space launch systems and operations 
• Experience with other Performance and Control Analysis disciplines (e.g. Guidance, Navigation and Control, Flight Software) 
• Knowledge and experience with Aerospace Space Launch Readiness Verification process  
• Ability to obtain/maintain Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) 

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)

$129,000 – $249,600

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.