2023 Associate Propulsion Engineer
The Aerospace Corporation
Hybrid remote in El Segundo, California
Job Description
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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
In this position, you will apply rigorous scientific and engineering principles to perform evaluations of space launch propulsion systems and develop and deliver technical assessments to both technical and non-technical audiences. Other duties will also include developing data analysis tools, evaluating propulsion system component health and risk, and executing and analyzing results from laboratory experiments. Your work will help our customers make important decisions about the future of the space enterprise.
This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Evaluate rocket propulsion design and performance characteristics and assist in development of new propulsion systems
- Execute and analyze data from propulsion laboratory experiments
- Perform analysis of high-speed dynamic data obtained during flight and ground testing of liquid rocket engines and components in both time and spectral domains
- Partner with others in the department and the division to develop data and model service interfaces that enable cross-enterprise tool integration
- Work closely with department and program staff to execute on project goals
- Develop high-quality documentation of technical assessments and data analysis
- Develop and present briefings that clearly communicate technical assessments, analysis, and experimentation results to personnel within and outside of your field of expertise, including technical management, program offices, government personnel, and technical conference attendees
- Utilizing technical writing and oral presentation skills
- Plan, conduct, and execute tasks to solve technical problems
What You Need to be Successful
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
- 0-1 years of industry experience
- Coursework in one or more of the following subjects:
- Thermodynamics, heat, and mass transfer
- Fluid mechanics, including compressible flow,
- Propulsion system design, combustion/reacting flows, or mechanical systems
- Fundamentals of structural analysis and materials
- Comprehensive research experience in an academic and/or industry laboratory environment
- Experience with standard office software, engineering tools, and scientific/technical programming environments and languages including MATLAB and Python
- Experience with and/or knowledge of rocket propulsion system design and modeling
- Experience in experimental design and execution experience in a laboratory setting, including knowledge of common measurement, control, and data acquisition methods
- Willing to travel to customer and contractor facilities to support relevant reviews and testing
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This position requires the 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.
How You Can Stand Out
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Master's degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months
- Graduate-level coursework in the following subjects:
- Thermodynamics, heat, and mass transfer
- Fluid mechanics, including compressible flow,
- Propulsion system design, combustion/reacting flows, or mechanical systems
- Fundamentals of structural analysis and materials
- Experience developing and executing laboratory experiments that support fundamental and applied research into chemical propulsion technologies
- Experience with machine learning/artificial intelligence applications in engineering, or other advanced data analysis methods
- Dynamic systems experience, including:
- Analysis of complex dynamic phenomena such as cavitation instabilities, combustion instabilities, engine vibrations, pogo instabilities, rotordynamics, and/or other dynamic propulsion system behavior
- Experience conducting simulations and stability assessments of dynamic systems
- Experience with the design and testing of high-hazard potential systems such as pressurized systems, oxygen systems, high speed rotating machinery, cryogenics, and/or propellants
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Mid - Max)
$70,999 - $123,920 - $176,000
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.
A few highlights include:
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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
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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
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Flexible spending accounts
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Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
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Relocation assistance
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Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
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Education assistance programs
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An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 310.336.5432 or by email at
ieo.mailbox@aero.org
. You can also review
Know Your Rights
: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
, as well as the
Pay Transparency Policy Statement
.
