Aerospace Software and Simulation 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. The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) provides research and development, technical evaluations, conceptual and detailed design, assembly, integration and test, and operational support. The Vehicle Systems Software Department (VSSD) performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. VSSD provides technical oversight throughout flight software development and develops high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to assess software readiness for flight. The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at the facility in El Segundo, CA. ## What You’ll Be Doing - Conduct tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical components of space systems. - Participate in the development and maintenance of simulations to support software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities. - Develop models of space system components such as sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics for use in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators. - Develop tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities. - Follow software and system best practices to support projects, collaborate with team members, and deliver quality products and reviews to customers. - Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed. ## What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring - Strong written and oral communication skills. - Ability to work well in a team environment. - Organizational, time management, and project management skills. - Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs. - Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations. ## What You Need to Be Successful Minimum Requirements: - Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field, pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months. - 0–1 year of industry work experience. - Experience in aerospace systems, flight software development, modeling and simulation, or a related engineering field. - Experience performing technical support in complex environments involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors. - Relevant project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling and simulation. - Experience programming in Python, Java, C, or C++. - Experience with version control systems and Linux/Unix environments. - Understanding of software testing methodologies and best practices. - Willingness to travel domestically to customer sites, launch facilities, or test locations approximately 10% as required. - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. - Transcripts. ## How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: - Master’s or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field, pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months. - Experience in Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC), Modeling and Simulation, Embedded Systems Engineering, Flight Software Engineering, or related industry experience. - Knowledge of spacecraft flight software frameworks (NASA cFS, JPL FSW) or safety-critical software certification standards (DO-178C, ISO 26262). - Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test systems. - Experience with model-based design tools such as Simulink or Modelica. - Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads, their relationships to other subsystems, and mission-level performance. - Experience developing and/or testing real-time embedded software. - Experience working with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA, Bitbucket, and Confluence. - Active Secret clearance or higher. ## Compensation The grade-based annual pay range is $70,100–$150,400. Individual salaries are determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills. ## Benefits - Comprehensive health care and wellness plans. - Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation. - Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options. - 401(k) plan with company-paid benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire. - Flexible spending accounts. - Variable pay program for exceptional contributions. - Relocation assistance. - Professional growth and development programs. - Education assistance programs. - An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.