Vehicle Design 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.

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.

The Vehicle Design and Innovation Department (VDID) provides space vehicle design and analysis; systems engineering; independent design reviews and assessments; analysis, modeling, process development and leadership; and rapid concept prototyping. As a member of VDID you will be developing the next generation of innovative space vehicle designs to solve the most challenging problems of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

The Vehicle Design and Innovation Department (VDID) provides space vehicle design and analysis; systems engineering; independent design reviews and assessments; analysis, modeling, process development and leadership; and rapid concept prototyping. As a member of VDID you will be developing the next generation of innovative space vehicle designs to solve the most challenging problems of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA that requires 3-4+ days in the office per week.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Senior Member of the Technical staff, you’ll be:

Participating in early-stage design studies for spacecraft concepts; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts.

Supporting continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft design and analysis activities.

Evaluating the feasibility of spacecraft and space architecture concepts during key milestone reviews such as Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, etc.

Developing as a subject matter expert in spacecraft-level systems engineering to support execution of customer programs.

Establishing strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum requirements:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline.

4 years of relevant technical experience.

Knowledge and/or relevant coursework in spacecraft subsystems and systems engineering topics.

Experience with concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies.

Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment; proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office.

Ability to travel domestically, on an occasional basis.

A current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. .

How You Can Stand Out

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline

Advanced knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering topics.

Advanced knowledge of concurrent engineering methodologies, processes, and tools.

Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools, and programming languages, including one or more of the following: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, VBA, SolidWorks, Cameo, or similar.

Strong, demonstrated personal initiative to seek out work, establish relationships throughout organizations, and identify and correct issues as they arise.

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 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

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