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.
The Vulcan Development & Operations organization within the Launch Operations Division (LOD) seeks an enthusiastic individual with demonstrated technical and interpersonal skills to manage technical activities for launch systems. As the Upper Stage Structures Project Engineer in the Vulcan Program Office, you will provide technical leadership for a range of technical and programmatic activities in support of Space Systems Command Assured Access to Space (SSC/AATS) Launch Enterprise customer. The chosen candidate will be responsible for leading and coordinating Aerospace’s certification and mission activities concerning Vulcan upper stage structural systems. Responsibilities include identifying technical issues and risks, establishing risk mitigation plans, and working closely with government and contractor counterparts.
Work Model - Telecommuting 1-2 days per week is possible.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and coordinate Aerospace’s certification and recurring mission unique activities for the Vulcan launch vehicle program, ensuring the success of National Security Space Launches
- Identify technical issues and provide risk assessments and mitigation recommendations to the customer and management
- Conduct design reviews, hardware/manufacturing assessments, and data reviews
- Coordinate and implement independent Aerospace analysis tasks
- Manage Aerospace technical activities in coordination with the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) to guide teams toward timely resolution of issues
- Work closely with Space Force counterparts to help ensure the provider’s upper stage structural systems and documentation follows program requirements and guidance, and are fully coordinated with the government team
- Support program management and systems engineering activities as needed
- Prepare reports and briefings in support of program activities and Aerospace processes
Minimum Requirements
What you Need to be Successful – Project Engineer
- BS or higher degree in Engineering or related technical field
- Typically, 8 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility
- Past experience with and knowledge of launch system development and analysis pertaining to structural systems
- Strong capability in building and leading multi-discipline teams
- Experience in coordinating solutions and providing risk assessments of complex technical issues
- Familiarity with mission assurance processes
- Must be physically able to enter manufacturing facilities, travel to contractor and test facilities, and travel to launch site to support missions
- Current DOD secret clearance or ability to obtain/maintain a secret clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Minimum Requirements
What you Need to be Successful – Senior Project Engineer
- BS or higher degree in Engineering or related technical field from a recognized institution
- Typically, 12 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)
- Past experience with and knowledge of launch system development and analysis pertaining to structural systems
- Proven track record of leadership and team building skill and ability to work with a multi-discipline team
- Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate solutions and provide risk assessments of complex technical issues
- Familiarity with mission assurance processes
- Must be physically able to enter manufacturing facilities, travel to contractor and test facilities, and travel to launch site to support missions
- Current DOD secret clearance or ability to obtain/maintain a secret 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 had one or more of these:
- Advanced degree in a relevant engineering subject area from an accredited institution
- Wide knowledge of launch systems, capabilities, and operations
- Grasp of system design, development, and mission analysis processes
- Experience with the Launch Verification Matrix (or other requirements matrix)
- Familiarity with launch vehicle certification
- Work in the full spectrum of acquisition from requirements specification to launch
- Successful collaboration with Space Force and other Government agencies
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Mid - Max)
$103,285 - $185,015 - $281,070
Pay Basis: Annual
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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.