Space Vehicle 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.  This is a full-time on-site position in Chantilly, VA.
** What You’ll Be Doing
*** Provide spacecraft engineering support to multiple programs in Generalist Space Vehicle Engineer, Vehicle AI&T, and project management
* Oversee multidisciplinary system-level acquisition, design, manufacture, integration and test activities for space vehicles and vehicle interfaces to launch vehicle and ground systems
* Provide test support including but not limited to random vibration testing, thermal cycling, and thermal vacuum testing
* Provide technical leadership in identifying, mitigating, and solving applicable satellite and subsystem risks and issues
* Leading and coordinating ETG technical teams to participate in internal research and development and technology transition projects in support of national security space customers
* Develop and maintain strong, effective working relationships with internal and external customers and contractor counterparts
* Generate and deliver written reports, risk assessments, recommendations, and presentations to the customer and Aerospace management
* Function as the technical focal point between the Government Program Office and the contractor as the factory liaison for spacecraft and AI&T operations.
* Opportunities exist for in-lab work and management of environmental test equipment
* Directly interfacing with government customers
* Travel to contractor and vendor facilities, as required
** What You Need to be Successful
**
* Minimum requirements:

** Bachelor's degree in a STEM field
* 2 years or more of applicable professional experience in one or more of the following areas: mechanical design and analysis, design for manufacturing, optical-mechanical systems, environmental testing, propulsion, mechanisms, guidance and controls, thermal engineering, structures, aerospace engineering, or multi-disciplinary project management
* Experience in a laboratory / AI&T / Factory setting
* Knowledge of space vehicle bus and/or payload subsystems and interfaces
* Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
* Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance with CI poly 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, mathematics, science, or other technical discipline
* Experience in one or more of the following areas: electrical integration and testing, test hardware/software, electrical design, power systems, or ground support equipment (electrical, mechanical, optical, test, etc.)
* Experience with hardware testing
* Knowledge of satellite test standards

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…