Senior Vehicle Software 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.

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

The Vehicle Systems Software Department (VSSD) focuses on flight computers, flight software, cubesat development, and embedded system architecture while supporting a variety of independent R&D efforts in robotics, automation, and distributed systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the vehicle and flight software development process, from requirements definition to day-of-launch and on-orbit operations. We develop high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to test the software, and to assess its readiness for flight. In addition, we develop and test real-time embedded software for picosats, drones, and other emerging technologies.

We are looking for a Senior Vehicle Software Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist - Multidisciplinary Guidance Navigation & Control) with technical expertise on topics related to real-time vehicle software and embedded software design, development, and testing. In addition, s/he will be expected to provide technical mentoring and will facilitate and encourage the culture of innovation within the department, ensuring the capabilities and expertise needed to support The Aerospace Corporation's current and future customers.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing technical expertise and analysis on flight/embedded software systems for national security space and commercial space programs.
• Contributing to key flight software development processes, such as preliminary and critical design reviews, requirements definition, and qualification testing.
• Support development of software-in-the-loop platforms, hardware-in-the-loop platforms, interface modeling, simulation architectures, and mission support.
• Act as the technical expert on flight/embedded software systems for multi-disciplinary projects that span across organizations.
• Advise on ways to strengthen the department's capabilities in the following focus areas: avionics and/or emulated avionics hardware-in-the-loop simulation; software-in-the-loop simulation; simulated vehicle environments and dynamics; flight code validation; anomaly identification and resolution; common hardware/software interfaces; and other emerging embedded architecture and design concepts.
• Provide technical leadership/mentorship to team members.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• 10+ years of applicable professional or academic experience in flight and/or embedded software systems
• Experience and ability to keep up with the state-of-the-art in flight and embedded systems software practices and hardware advancements
• Experience as a leading contributor to multidisciplinary teams
• Experience writing technical reports and giving technical presentations
• 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• Familiarity in tracking or monitoring critical support technologies related to flight and/or embedded software, simulation, and software testing is a big plus
• Strong knowledge in launch vehicle and satellite flight software architectures, development, and testing, including experience in control systems, redundancy algorithms, fault detection, sensor processing, and data interfaces
• Experience in the development of Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations
• Active Secret or higher security clearance (TS or SCI)

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)
$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.