2026 Launch 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; 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 launch vehicles, space vehicles, and missile systems. We are looking for a Launch Vehicle Mechanisms Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff-Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering). The Launch Mechanisms Section is responsible for the evaluation of requirements, design, analysis, and testing of launch 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. 

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Evaluate moving mechanical assemblies for launch vehicle, space 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 the department technical staff and management to resolve technical issues and assure mission success.
• Prepare and provide reports and charts in support of briefings to customers and other stakeholders.
• Occasionally travel to contractor sites to attend design reviews and witness hardware assembly and testing.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Must work well in a team environment 
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills 
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need 
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements: 

• Ph.D degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience  
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Experience with hardware integration and testing
• Familiarity with multi-body dynamics analysis and finite element analysis
• Experience with bearings, gear trains, moving mechanical assemblies, deployment, and separation systems
• Willingness to occasionally travel and/or work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Knowledge of AIAA-S-114, SMC-S-016, and/or NASA-STD-5017A standards
• The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

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.