Spacecraft Advanced Autonomy and Trust 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.

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.  

The Vehicle Autonomy & System Trust department is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within The Aerospace Corporation. We are seeking an experienced Spacecraft Advanced Autonomy and Trust Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist- Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning) to be on the leading edge of development, integration, test, and establishment of trustworthiness for advanced autonomous systems.

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines at least (3-4) regular onsite workdays and some remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Providing leadership to the growth of advanced autonomy at Aerospace by providing project leadership and technical expertise in the development of integration, test, and analysis capabilities for autonomous systems  

• Working closely with customers to identify their autonomy needs and foster lasting relationships that support the entire design and operational life cycle of critical space systems  

• Establishing Vehicle Autonomy, System Trust, and Emerging Technology Assessment subject matter expertise by helping to grow the needed skills and mentoring junior staff  

• Providing direct technical support to a variety of space programs with a focus on autonomy, integration and test of emerging technologies 

• Support ongoing research into Hardware-in-the-Loop development for testing satellite systems, especially those incorporating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into their architecture  

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Spacecraft Advanced Autonomy and Trust Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist- Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning) role: 

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required   

• (10) years of applicable professional or industry experience is required  

• Expertise with at least one spacecraft related discipline dynamics, control, autonomy or artificial intelligence   

• Experience leading technical teams to solve complex problems and identify analytical or testing verification processes   

• Strong background in autonomous systems for space applications and/or integration of AI/ML with vehicle systems 

• Sound