Fluid Systems 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.

Our Fluid Systems Section within our Fluid Mechanics Department in VSD is at the forefront of fluid dynamics research, merging advanced experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches to innovate across diverse applications. We are currently seeking a talented Fluid Systems Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering) to join our interdisciplinary team, driving transformative solutions in fluid mechanics and contributing to state-of-the-art projects. If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries in fluid dynamics, we’d love to hear from you.

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

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Conduct analysis, modeling, planning, and review functions associated with fluid systems characterization of space, launch, and reentry vehicles

• Assess steady and transient internal flows in vehicle components/sub-systems for both single-phase and/or multi-phase states

• Participate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues

• Perform day-of-launch activities at on-site facilities and national launch sites

• Support on-site and off-site technical interchange meetings, review of contractor analyses, as well as hardware and mission assurance reviews

• Maintain technical currency and stay abreast of advances in fluid mechanics technologies related to space, launch, and reentry vehicles

• Provide objective technical viewpoints to government and civil customers

• Work closely with program offices and interface with contractors, government personnel, research laboratories, and academia

​What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related discipline

• 5 years of academic research or applicable professional industry experience in fluid mechanics

• Familiarity with incompressible and compressible flow theory

• Experience in use of analytical methods and computational fluid dynamics

• Willing to travel domestically approx. 20% of the time

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the 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: 

• PhD degree in aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering or related discipline

• Graduate-level course work in hydraulics, pneumatics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, free-surface flows, incompressible flows, and compressible flows

• Experience in fluid networks, liquid propulsion systems, cryogenics, and slosh analysis

• Experience in use of experimental methods, hardware, and instrumentation

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)

$100,300.00 - $150,400.00

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.