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 Solid Propulsion and Stages (SPS) section consists of a team of experienced, trusted engineers with expertise using innovative analysis to evaluate liquid rocket stages and solid rocket motor propulsion systems. The department performs technical studies, experimental investigations, and real-time assessments to support critical decisions by our customers and their contractors.
The Propulsion Engineer in SPS section will play a pivotal role in current and future liquid rocket stage propulsion systems, solid rocket motors, and related propulsion devices by performing the modeling, simulation, data analysis, tool development, hardware evaluation and risk assessments. The Propulsion Engineer’s work will influence key stakeholders to make critical decisions and deliver leading-edge national capabilities to space on time, every time. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Identify, evaluate and advise key stakeholders to mitigate hardware and operational risks associated with liquid rocket stages, and solid/liquid propulsion devices and interfaces.
Participate in technical deep dives, hardware reviews, flight data reviews and multi-disciplinary internal and external assessments to evaluate flight readiness of propulsion systems and flight certification efforts
Develop and present timely and technically accurate report briefings to clearly communicate analysis results and provide a recommended solution and path forward to technical leads, management, and customers.
Perform analysis using existing tools, create and develop new tools, assist in the development of new propulsions systems to assess the performance of the liquid rocket stages and related propulsion systems in ground test and flight.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
Minimum of (2) years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
Graduate level coursework and/or comprehensive research in the following subjects:
Thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer
Fluid mechanics including compressible flow
Propulsion systems, combustion/reacting flows, or mechanical systems
Fundamentals of structural analysis and materials
Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Experience in propulsion / thermofluids through earning a thesis-based advanced degree or a previous internship in an industry, government, or research institution
Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDC) and other personnel
Experience with the design, performance modeling, analysis, testing, and/or operation of liquid propulsion stages, solid and liquid propulsion devices, and components
Comprehensive knowledge of multi-phase fluid flow and thermodynamics
Experience working on rocket propulsion technology development programs
Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities simultaneously and be comfortable acting as a technical point-of-contact
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.