Aerospace Engineer

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The Aerospace Engineer provides systems engineering, mission design, and technical analysis support for space technology programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This role focuses on the design, development, analysis, and integration of spacecraft systems ranging from Cube Sats to ESPA-class satellites, supporting cradle-to-grave space mission life cycles from concept development through flight operations.

• Support systems engineering tasks for AFRL Program Managers, Chief Engineers, and Systems Engineers on space technology programs
• Develop and refine mission requirements, concept of operations (CONOPS), mission constraints, and conceptual designs for spacecraft ranging from Cube Sats to ESPA-class satellites
• Conduct mission design and evaluation including orbit analysis, launch vehicle integration studies, and mission timeline development
• Perform design tradeoffs and alternatives analysis to support technology selection and system architecture decisions
• Support refinement of programmatic objectives into actionable technical requirements and requirement flow-downs
• Develop interface control documentation, specifications, and design documentation for spacecraft systems

• Perform mechanical, thermal, electrical, and structural engineering to support spacecraft and high-altitude balloon experiment designs
• Conduct spacecraft subsystem modeling, integration planning, and system-level simulations
• Design and analyze spacecraft structures, mechanisms, thermal management systems, and power systems
• Evaluate spacecraft performance through analytical methods, modeling and simulation, and engineering analysis
• Support development of Government Reference Designs (GRD) with technical input and design documentation
• Identify requirement shortfalls, missing functionality, and recommend system improvements

• Ensure all testing activities comply with industry standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities including requirements definition, design, analysis, and verification/validation throughout program lifecycle
• Develop modeling capabilities to simulate, emulate, and evaluate technology options identified by AFRL
• Test and operate modeling and simulation capabilities for spacecraft systems and mission scenarios
• Perform analyses comparing model and simulation results to experimental findings and test data
• Conduct satellite system simulation and mission effectiveness evaluation

• Support spacecraft and high-altitude balloon flight hardware design and fabrication
• Provide hardware development, integration planning, and technology transition support
• Support design and fabrication of ground-based proofs-of-concept, experiments, and demonstrations
• Prepare documented data acquisition, processing, analysis, and modeling/simulation tools for experimental evaluations
• Document experimental processes and results to allow independent reproduction by third parties

• Support spacecraft bus, payload, and experiment assembly and integration within government facilities
• Review and provide input on test procedures, safety plans, and risk management plans
• Support launch integration activities including integration studies, interface control documents, and launch site support
• Assist with shipping, protecting, and transporting flight experiments and support equipment

• Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, program reviews, off-sites, and technical conferences
• Support procurement assistance with long lead hardware/software critical to space experiment program success
• Support technology transfer planning and decommissioning activities, including planning for technology transition to external mission partners
• Support miscellaneous tasks such as trade studies, demonstrations, and various analyses as directed by Government Program Managers

• Support comprehensive cybersecurity and information assurance activities including compliance with DoD risk management frameworks and security requirements

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering required
• Experience:
  
  0-10 years of experience in system integration and testing
• Clearance Requirement:
  Top Secret
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft systems engineering, subsystem design, and mission analysis
• Proficiency in aerospace engineering principles including orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and mission design
• Experience with mechanical, thermal, structural, and/or electrical analysis for aerospace systems
• Understanding of spacecraft…