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.

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.

Job Summary 

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) is a team of 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 for spacecraft, launch vehicles, and missile systems. MSD coordinates with other Aerospace technical disciplines, program offices, and contractors in support of our customer’s mission needs. 

As an Engineering Specialist, you will work alongside the Launch Mechanisms Section, who are responsible for the evaluation of requirements, design, analysis, and testing of launch vehicle and missile systems MMA’s (including reusable systems) in accordance with industry standards. Staff interact with other experts within the Aerospace Corporation, program offices, customers, suppliers, and contractor counterparts to provide independent design assessments, separation deployment/jettison analyses, and hardware integration/testing support required to ensure mission success.  

This position will also provide opportunities to broaden one’s experience in the areas of space vehicle moving mechanical assemblies, explosive ordnance devices, and other expanding departmental responsibilities.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.  

What You’ll Be Doing  

• You will conduct technical evaluations for government and civil sector customers  

• S/he will review and assess designs, analysis results, test plans, command media, and applicable standards 

• You will be supporting launch vehicle and missile systems programs  

• Interacting with other experts within the Vehicle Systems Division under the Engineering and Technology Group 

• Providing mission assurance to successfully launch critical payloads into orbit 

• You will conduct performance analyses, modeling, support of hardware integration, and test activities 

• S/he will prepare written and oral reports of organization’s activities to management, subordinates, and other organizations 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required

• 6 or more years of applicable professional or educational experience involving mechanisms of launch vehicles, space vehicles, or missile systems is required  

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is 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 a STEM field is highly preferred

• Experience with mechanical designs, mass properties, materials, and manufacturing is strongly desired

• Hardware integration and testing knowledge is preferable

• Familiarity with multi-body dynamics analysis 

• Experience using and developing software and scripts on Windows, MacOS X, Linux, and/or Unix systems 

• Skilled in AIAA-S-11