Spacecraft Propulsion 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 Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we work on the systems that deliver spacecraft to their destinations, and we deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success. 

As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff or Engineering Specialist – Propulsion Engineering) in the Propulsion Department, you will provide expert technical assistance for spacecraft propulsion systems used on a broad range of space vehicles, from technology development through on-orbit operations.  You will collaborate with our customers and industry contractors to ensure the success of high-priority space missions with challenging propulsion requirements.  Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development, manufacture, testing, and operations for multiple programs.  You must be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems, and confidently advise customers in making critical decisions.   

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines at least (3) regular onsite workdays and some remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

Supporting the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for national space missions, using new technologies to allow more responsive operations: 

• Participate in the overall design, development, test, and evaluation of propulsion systems, propellant tanking, and delivery subsystems 

• Develop program requirements, assess risks and hazards; evaluate inspection, analysis, and test products to support verification or risk/hazard reduction 

• Participate in support and/or lead technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews; evaluate, and report upon analyses, studies, and tests of components and systems 

• Perform technical evaluation of chemical propulsion systems used for spacecraft programs; resolve unique or novel problems,