Propulsion Engineering Specialist

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.
We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for hiring as we look forward to the future of work. Click here for information on Aerospace's COVID-19 directives and safety procedures implemented to keep our workplace safe.
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 develops, maintains, and applies expertise for space vehicle propulsion. Specific applications include liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, spacecraft thrusters, integrated propulsion systems, hypersonic propulsion, and space propulsion technologies. We provide technically excellent and timely systems engineering services so that programs can execute efficiently toward 100% mission success.
As a Propulsion Research Engineer, you will apply rigorous scientific and engineering principles to perform evaluations of space launch propulsion systems and develop and deliver technical assessments to both technical and non-technical audiences. This full-time position will be in El Segundo, CA and can support telework multiple days per week.
What You'll Be Doing

• Perform specialized technical evaluation and analysis of rocket propulsion systems used for space launch
• Develop new tools or adapt existing ones to assess the performance of spacecraft propulsion systems in ground test and flight.
• Identify, assess, and help mitigate hardware and operational risks associated with components, systems, and interfaces

• Anticipate potential technical and customer needs and proactively prepare models, tools, and decision products to meet them
• Assist in coordinating efforts affecting multiple subsystems/programs.
• Evaluate and assist in development of new propulsion systems and component technology.
• Lead real-time support to customer test, flight, and anomaly resolution efforts.
• Lead technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and other similar activities to assess flight readiness of propulsion systems.

• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, government personnel, and other customers.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
• Typically, 8 years of applicable professional or educational experience is required

• Familiarity in one or more of the following subjects:
  
  • Thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer
  • Fluid mechanics including compressible flow,
  • Propulsion system design, combustion/reacting flows, or mechanical systems
  • Fundamentals of structural analysis and material
• Proficiency with standard office software, engineering tools, and scientific/technical programming environments and languages including MATLAB and/or Python
• Experience with and/or knowledge of rocket propulsion system design and modeling
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, which is used by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is highly preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in combustion/reacting flows, turbomachinery, roto dynamics, liquid rocket engine testing, structural dynamics, properties of engineering materials, control theory, and/or propulsion system engineering
• Familiarity with engine cycle analysis/power balance modeling
• Experience with fault-tree and/or fishbone investigations to determine root cause of anomalies
• Experience with the design and testing of high-hazard potential systems such as pressurized systems, oxygen systems, high speed rotating machinery, cryogenics, and/or propellants
• Knowledge with machine learning/artificial intelligence applications in engineering, or other advanced data analysis methods

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.