Launch Vehicle Propulsion Performance Analyst

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 deliver innovative solutions spanning satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) provides national expertise in vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; and structural dynamics. The Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for government and commercial applications, delivering timely, objective, and actionable technical advice.

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

About the role

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, be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems, and effectively communicate results and recommendations to inform critical decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply new and existing tools and analyses to assess the performance of space propulsion systems in ground test and flight
• Identify, assess, and mitigate hardware and operational risks associated with components, systems, and interfaces
• Provide real-time support for customer tests, flights, and anomaly resolution efforts
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams including technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and other activities to assess flight readiness of propulsion systems
• Assist with propulsion laboratory experimental efforts, including test execution, data analysis, and design upgrades
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, government personnel, and other customers

Requirements

• 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 on deep technical challenges
• Experience with the design, development, qualification, and acceptance requirements of propulsion systems: solid rocket motors, rocket engine, and/or hypersonic systems
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally approximately 20% of the time to support customer needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

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

• Current secret-level clearance, or higher
• PhD from an accredited program in a STEM discipline
• Experience in one or more of the following: subsonic and/or supersonic combustion/reacting flows, turbomachinery, rotordynamics, rocket engine/motor testing, material properties, or propulsion system engineering
• Hands-on experience with thermal-fluid and/or propulsion system testing or experimentation
• Advanced proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB
• Demonstrated ability to analyze high sample rate datasets using frequency and order domain techniques, including experience with spectral analysis tools and software
• Working knowledge of digital engineering techniques and applications

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $100,300.00 - $175,900.00 annually.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. To cultivate our talent and ensure a strong pipeline of future leaders, we seek individuals who:

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