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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within FAA, NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

Aerospace’s Civil Systems Group (CSG) is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Safety/ Flight Mechanics Engineer (Project Engineer- Flight Mechanics) in support of Civil Space Programs in the Federal Civil Development Directorate. The Directorate is responsible for providing full lifecycle independent assessment, systems engineering & integration (SE&I), policy and mission/safety assurance to Federal non-DOD agencies (including FAA, FCC and DOC) across the space and related complex systems enterprise.

This position is onsite at Cape Canaveral, FL, or Washington DC, with the expectation that the selected candidate will work at least 4 days a week onsite, as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will primarily support our Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) customer
• Perform Safety and Risk Assurance Assessments/Analysis
• Provide SME relative to risk launch and reentry risk
• Assure safety to the public during space launch and reentry operations
• Physics based modeling and analysis of launch/reentry vehicles
• Interfaces between customers and Aerospace technical and management staff.

What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer- Flight Mechanics

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with a focus on physics, engineering, science, mathematics, or another closely related STEM field
• At least 8 years of experience in increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments  
• Physics of Space Launch/Reentry Operations: 
  • Debris Calculations, full/deep research
  • Knowledge of FAA Regs particularly PART450
  • Understanding of policy and regulatory requirements for Commercial Space Launch/Reentry Risk
  • Space operations Casualty Assessment and Risk Management
  • Understanding of holistic methods, processes, and inputs required to protect Public Safety (during launches/reentries)
  • Experience with building a Launch/Reentry Vehicle “Debris Catalog” 
  • Risk analyses and mission support for Emergency Operations of commercial space operations
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approx. 10%
• 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Masters degree [applicable STEM areas or other discipline]
• More than 8 years of experience in increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments  
• 8 years of experience in Physics Based Modeling
• Experience in developing and maintain Range Safety Processes, Training and Protocols (training material for introductory topics, flight safety analysis, flight safety systems, trajectory mechanics, probability of failure, risks from debris impact, toxic dispersion and overpressure, and training on specific tool)
• Coordination of Range Flight Safety with Commercial Partners

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)

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.