IC 2027 Space Vehicle Concept Design Engineer

Division and Department Overview

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise, leveraging a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) within EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design, trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development, leadership expertise, and tool development to support conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD you will design innovative spacecraft and ground‑segment solutions for the U.S. Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model

This position is 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

Responsibilities

• Lead early‑stage design studies for spacecraft concepts, ranging from small individual efforts to larger multidisciplinary teams of subject‑matter experts.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert in spacecraft‑level systems engineering to support execution of customer programs, including design reviews and other milestones.
• Lead continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of the tools and models used during spacecraft concept design and analysis activities.
• Support the development of similar capabilities within VGCD for the assessment of ground‑segment concept design.
• Establish strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree (pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months) in a relevant engineering or science discipline from an accredited college/university.
• 0–1 years of industry experience.
• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering teams focused on spacecraft or ground‑segment design.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and systems engineering; some knowledge of ground‑segment concepts.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; proficiency with office and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Office.
• Experience with concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies.
• Ability to work independently and conduct long‑term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs.
• Occasional domestic travel.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Transcripts required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Proficiency in commercial simulation tools or programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks).
• Demonstrated personal initiative to seek out work, establish relationships, and identify/correct issues.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community, DoD, or other common Aerospace customers.

Compensation

Grade‑based pay range: $100,000 – $110,000 per year (annual basis).

Leadership Competencies

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

Benefits

• 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‑paid contributions of 8 %, 10 %, or 12 % of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; immediate eligibility and vesting
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable‑pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs
• Education assistance programs
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect