Space Solar Power Project Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • Full-time • El Segundo, California, United States • $151.30k - $226.90k / year • 3w ago

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise. PSL's impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL's exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise.

The Energy Technology Department (ETD) in PSL conducts basic and applied research in photovoltaic devices and solar array designs for space applications to provide technical support in space solar power.

We are seeking a Space Solar Power Project Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Integration (Electronic And Mechanical) Engineering) to lead efforts to develop new tools, capabilities, and prototypes for assessing next generation spacecraft solar cell and solar array technology for national security space and civil and commercial customers.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (3-4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You'll Be Doing

You will apply your deep technical and programmatic experience in space solar power to support national security space programs, lead R&D projects to reduce risk and enable rapid technology transition, develop future spacecraft solar cell and array technology roadmap, and provide technical assessments of issues and risks associated with development, testing and fielding of next generation space solar cell and array technology
You will communicate technical findings and provide technical consultation to department colleagues, Aerospace management, program offices, government, and the larger scientific community on topics related to space power generation technology designs, anomaly investigations, and future power needs
You will interface with internal programs and external collaborators, provide assignments of staff to projects, provide project management, and identify opportunities for expanded and new business
S/he will provide strategic guidance and mentorship to technical staff for the organization, execution, and work product documentation of technical activities

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer - Engineering | Integration (Electronic And Mechanical) Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required
(12) or more years of experience of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience in space solar power is required
Experience with cradle to grave development and fielding of advanced space solar power technology including risk assessment, design trades, developing requirements, qualification testing, assembly and integration, on-orbit performance analysis and anomaly root-cause investigations
Widely recognized internally and externally by a variety of customers, programs, contractors, and other organizations in the space power community
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff
Exhibits exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work in inter-organizational and inter-disciplinary teams
Willing to travel occasionally to work location, customer site, or relevant professional conferences up to 10% of the time
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:

(15) or more years of experience of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience in space solar power is highly desirable
Experience in program management and/or managing research portfolios.
Experience in program support on evaluating current or emerging space technologies.
Recognized industry expert in the field of space solar power through presentations and participation in AIAA committees.

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 - $226,900

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.