Guidance, Navigation and Control 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 Guidance Analysis Department is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer (Member of Technical Staff - Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineering) to provide GNC support for launch vehicle, missile systems, and missile defense systems for a wide range of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the Missile Defense Agency, and other civil customers (e.g. NASA).

This position is located in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assess control system performance of launch, missile defense, and missile system

• Perform linear and nonlinear control system analyses

• Derive multi-body, flexible body dynamics equations for supported vehicles

• Support multiple programs and work independently with both internal and external customers as a technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader

• Provide oversight, guidance, and technical advice on customer projects, which may include specialized analytical and experimental studies launch vehicle and missile defense GNC systems

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

• 1 year or more of industry work experience

• Working knowledge of control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators applicable to spacecraft and/or launch vehicles

• Experience modeling dynamic systems

• Proficiency with some of the following tools: Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran

• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site (domestically/internationally), as required.

• 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. 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

• Expertise in modeling and simulation of spacecraft or launch vehicles

• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems

• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government, is highly desirable. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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)

$86,600.00 - $129,800.00

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