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. 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 Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting‑edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success.

The Solid Motors and Propulsion Technologies section is looking for a Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Propulsion Engineering). In this role, you will perform technical evaluations and assessments of propulsion systems for high‑priority space missions. Your work may involve propulsion system development, manufacturing, test, and operations for multiple programs. You must have a strong technical foundation and be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and effectively communicate results and recommendations to inform critical decisions.

This position is located in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

Developing and applying new and existing tools and analyses to assess the performance of space propulsion systems in ground test and flight Identifying, assessing, and mitigating hardware and operational risks associated with components, systems, and interfaces Providing real-time support for customer tests, flights, and anomaly resolution efforts Participating in multidisciplinary teams including technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and other activities to assess flight readiness of propulsion systems Assisting with propulsion laboratory experimental efforts, including test execution, data analysis, and design upgrades Preparing reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, government personnel, and other customers

• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Materials Science Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• Four years or more of applicable professional or academic experience
• Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics as applied to the design, evaluation, and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough independent analyses…