Vehicle Integration and Test 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.

The Aerospace Corporation’s Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address our customers’ hardest problems at the speed of need. We engage with our customers to conceptualize innovative solutions and deliver impactful products for ground and space and everything in between. We are looking for engineers with a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help xLab make a difference to today’s challenges.

xLab is seeking a Vehicle Integration and Test Engineer (MTS/Sr. MTS Interdisciplinary Vehicle Engineering and Integration) to support assembly integration & test activities for flight hardware prototyping projects. You will work under guidance of experienced systems engineers and project SMEs to ensure successful execution of project activities. The work will be hands‑on and take place at the Aerospace Chantilly labs.

This is a full‑time position based in Chantilly, VA, that requires 4 days a week onsite and one day remote.

In this role you will integrate, test and deliver systems comprised of unique Aerospace payloads and small satellite buses. Working closely with customer and project management team, your role includes:

• Lead the development and execution of system operating procedures for functional checkout, environmental testing, spacecraft integration, commissioning, and mission operations
• Responsible for identifying necessary ground support equipment and tools to execute test procedures
• Support with test setup and execution
• Configuring and interfacing with test and measurement equipment
• Writing test scripts in Python
• Data analysis and report generation

Minimum Requirements for the Member of Technical Staff:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics or a related technical discipline
• 2 years of technical work experience that includes advanced prototype development or technology insertion
• Experience working in a laboratory environment and with equipment such as: power supplies, logic analyzers, oscilloscope, signal generator, thermal chamber, development boards etc.
• Knowledge of processes relevant to space flight hardware
• Experience working with Linux
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the Senior Member of Technical Staff requires:

• 4 total years of technical work experience that includes advanced prototype development or technology insertion
• Experience working with space flight hardware

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master’s degree in engineering, physics or a related technical discipline
• Experience working with embedded systems (microcontrollers, Arduinos, etc.)
• Experience working with OpenC3/COSMOS/Labview
• Experience with programming (Python, C++, etc.)
• Experience with software version control (bitbucket, git, etc.)
• PCB design, schematic, layout experience
• CAD design for GSE
• Experience with environmental testing of hardware (vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum, shock etc.)

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

During your interview process, our team…