Gen OPIR Polar Space Vehicle System Engineer

About The Company

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. We operate as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) and are engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers.

Location:

El Segundo, CA (full‑time on‑site, with collaboration at Prime Contractor facility in Redondo Beach, CA). Travel: approx. 10%.

• Execute independent assessments of prime contractor activities and provide guidance to USSF customer personnel on space vehicle ability to meet TRD requirements.
• Support system‑level requirements verification and validation.
• Assist in interface definition and control between subsystems.
• Participate in integration and test activities.
• Support technical documentation changes (ICDs, specifications, test procedures).
• Contribute to key reviews and technical meetings.
• Engage in strategic planning, collaborating with USSF, government contractors, and Aerospace SMEs to address challenges and deliver integrated operational capabilities.
• Assist in risk identification and mitigation planning.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of proven experience with evaluation of system engineering validation processes.
• Understanding of requirement sell‑off process, familiarity with major sub‑system requirements and capabilities.
• Experience with systems engineering processes (requirements analysis, design, verification & validation).
• Basic understanding of spacecraft subsystems (power, thermal, propulsion, communications, etc.).
• Knowledge of integration and test procedures.
• Understanding of configuration management principles.
• Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience with production challenges and risk management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Willingness to travel approximately 10%.

• 12+ years of proven experience with evaluation of system engineering validation processes.
• Proven experience in space systems, background in a space environment.
• Demonstrated experience with Prime Contractor challenges, including risk management, and participation in the space vehicle process through ILC and OA.
• Proven history supporting the USSF customer.
• Record of advising US Government customer at critical decision milestones (technical and/or schedule), including performing risk assessments.
• Participation in and leading of System Engineers from ETG.

• Master’s degree or higher in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or related discipline.
• Current Secret level clearance;
  Supplemental SCI preferred.

Grade‑based pay range: $117,300 – $226,900 (annual basis).

• Comprehensive health‑care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with company match (8‑12% of eligible compensation plus matching contributions).
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.

• Operate strategically.
• Lead change.
• Engage with impact.
• Foster innovation.
• Deliver results.

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal‑opportunity employer. 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  or by email lbox .