Vehicle Systems Software 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 Vehicle Systems Software Department performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the flight software development process, from requirements definition to day-of-launch and on-orbit operations. We develop high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to test the software to assess its readiness for flight. VSSD is seeking an Vehicle Systems Software Engineer (Member of Technical Staff / Sr. Member of Technical Staff— Multidisciplinary Guidance Navigation & Control) with a passion for space and software development to be part of our team.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop models of space system components such as sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics for use in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators

• Conduct tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical components of space systems.

• Participate in the development and maintenance of these simulations to support software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities.

• Develop tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.

• Design, develop, and execute software tests using high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testbeds

• Deliver objective technical assessments that empower customers to confidently evaluate flight software safety and mission readiness

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for a Member of Technical Staff – Multidisciplinary Guidance Navigation & Control:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Engineering or a related STEM field

• Two years or more of applicable professional or educational experience

• Experience performing technical support in complex environments involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors

• Experience programming in Python and Java or C/C++

• Relevant project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling & simulation

• Proficiency with software development processes and tools including compilers, IDEs, software engineering, and coding standards

• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer site approx. 10 % of the time.

• 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.

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for a Sr. Member of Technical Staff – Multidisciplinary Guidance Navigation & Control:

• Four years or more of total experience

• Experience in developing and/or testing real-time embedded software

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Active TS/SCI clearance

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering or a related STEM field

• Familiarity with launch vehicle and sa