Vehicle Systems Software Engineer

About the role

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

The Vehicle Systems Software Department performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the 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 to assess its readiness for flight. VSSD is seeking an Vehicle Systems Software Engineer (Member of Technical Staff / Sr. Member of Technical Staff— Multidisciplinary Guidance Navigation & Control) with a passion for space and software development to be part of our team.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

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

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 these simulations to support software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities.

Develop tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.

Design, develop, and execute software tests using high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testbeds

Deliver objective technical assessments that empower customers to confidently evaluate flight software safety and mission readiness

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

Training and mentorship will be provided

What You Need to be Successful – Associate Member of Technical Staff

​​Minimum Requirements:​

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, physics or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

0-1 years of applicable professional experience

Experience programming in Python, Java, C/C++

Experience with version control systems and Linux/Unix environments

Relevant project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling & simulation

Understanding in developing and/or testing real-time embedded software

Proficiency with software development processes and tools including compilers, IDEs, software engineering, and coding standards

Willing to travel occasionally to customer site approx. 10 % of the time.

This position requires the 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.

​​In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Member of Technical Staff:

Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, physics or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

How You Can Stand Out

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

Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads, their relationships to other subsystems, and to mission-level performance is desirable

Experience with Linux/Unix systems, network architecture, and cyber security

Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Experience with VHDL/Verilog

Experience with GitLab, Jenkins, or other CI/CD tools

Experience with machine learning and AI development

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)

$90,000.00 - $115,000.00

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 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.