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.

Job Summary

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Aerodynamic Environments Section within the Fluid Mechanics Department provides design and analysis support for aerodynamic environments of space, launch, and reentry vehicles.  As an Aerodynamic Environments Engineer (Member of Technical Staff / Senior Member of Technical Staff)- Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, you will work with both internal and external customers participating as a technical authority on aerodynamic and fluid mechanics topics.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

Conduct analyses, modeling, planning and reviewing functions associated with aerodynamic environments pertaining to space, launch, and reentry vehicles 
Analyze and assess steady and transient internal and external flows ranging from subsonic to hypersonic regimes 
Develop new modeling and analysis tools, as needed 
Participate in multi-disciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues 
Support on-site and off-site technical interchange meetings, review of contractor analyses, wind tunnel testing, and mission assurance reviews 
Work closely with program offices and interface with contractors, government personnel, research laboratories, and academia

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Member of Technical Staff position:

Masters degree in aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering is required
A minimum of (2) years of academic research or applicable professional industry experience in fluid mechanics is required
Coursework and projects in the field/subject of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics related to space, launch, and reentry vehicles 
Demonstrated use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques 
Willingness to occasionally travel to support customer needs, approximately 5% (as required) 
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 
Transcripts are required for candidates with (5) or less years of professional industry experience, post-graduation from Bachelor’s/Masters/PhD degree. Please be sure to upload both Undergrad and Graduate transcripts

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff position include:

A minimum of (5) years of academic research or applicable professional industry experience in fluid mechanics is required

How You Can Stand Out

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

PhD degree in aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering is preferred
(8) or more years of applicable professional industry experience is highly desirable
Graduate-level coursework in incompressible flows, compressible flows, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, computational fluid dynamics 
Experience in analyzing aerodynamic flight and/or experimental data

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 - Max)

$86,600 - $150,400Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

Operate Strategically
Lead Change  
Engage with Impact  
Foster Innovation  
Deliver Results

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:

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
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various 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 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 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

The Aerospace Corporation

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Aerodynamic Environments Engineer