Aero

Vehicle Integration and Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA Full time

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 Aerospace Corporation’s Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address our customers’ hardest problems at the speed of need. We engage with our customers to conceptualize innovative solutions and deliver impactful products for ground and space and everything in between. We are looking for engineers with a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help xLab make a difference to today’s challenges.   

xLab is seeking a Vehicle Integration and Test Engineer (MTS/Sr. MTS Interdisciplinary Vehicle Engineering and Integration) to support assembly integration & test activities for flight hardware prototyping projects.  You will work under guidance of experienced systems engineers and project SMEs to ensure successful execution of project activities.  The work will be hands-on and take place at the Aerospace Chantilly labs. 

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA., that requires 4 days a week onsite and one day remote.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role you will integrate, test and deliver systems comprised of unique Aerospace payloads and small satellite buses. Working closely with customer and project management team your role includes:

  • Lead the development and execution of system operating procedures for functional checkout, environmental testing, spacecraft integration, commissioning, and mission operations

  • Responsible for identifying necessary ground support equipment and tools to execute test procedures

  • Support with test setup and execution

  • Configuring and interfacing with test and measurement equipment

  • Writing test scripts in Python

  • Data analysis and report generation

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Member of Technical Staff:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics or a related technical discipline

  • 2 years of technical work experience that includes advanced prototype development or technology insertion

  • Experience working in a laboratory environment and with equipment such as: power supplies, logic analyzers, oscilloscope, signal generator, thermal chamber, development boards etc.

  • Knowledge of processes relevant to space flight hardware

  • Experience working with Linux

  • 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 Senior Member of Technical Staff requires:

  • 4 total years of technical work experience that includes advanced prototype development or technology insertion

  • Experience working with space flight hardware

How You Can Stand Out

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

  • Master’s degree in engineering, physics or a related technical discipline

  • Experience working with embedded systems (microcontrollers, Arduinos, etc.)

  • Experience working with OpenC3/COSMOS/Labview

  • Experience with programming (Python, C++, etc.)

  • Experience with software version control (bitbucket, git, etc..)

  • PCB design, schematic, layout experience

  • CAD design for GSE

  • Experience with environmental testing of hardware (vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum, shock etc.)

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
  • A 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