Senior Space Vehicle Concept Design Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Lead and participate in early life cycle design studies for spacecraft concepts .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $117,300 - $226,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in spacecraft concept design and analysis, with proficiency in systems engineering and model-based systems engineering. Capable of leading cross-functional teams and effectively communicating technical information to diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Spacecraft System DevelopmentSystems EngineeringModel-Based Systems EngineeringCross-Functional Team LeadershipActive Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

System ArchitectingConcept DesignSpacecraft Subsystem DesignMATLABPythonSimulinkC++SolidWorksSysMLUAF

Soft Skills

Excellent Oral CommunicationExcellent Written CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsTime ManagementCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Concurrent Engineering ToolsSTK

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor of Science DegreeActive Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

SpaceIntelligenceDefenseGround Segment Concept DesignMission ControlEmerging Commercial Capability Offerings

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and participate in early life cycle design studies for spacecraft concepts
Lead continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of tools and models used in spacecraft concept design and analysis
Support development of similar capabilities for ground segment concept design assessment
Work with technical experts across Aerospace to marshal multidisciplinary expertise and enable concurrent engineering approaches
Define system capabilities, system-of-systems interfaces, and requirements for space, ground, and intersegment system architectures
Communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations through briefings and formal technical reports
Mentor early-career department members while developing concepting tools and executing spacecraft concept design and analysis activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field
Engineering Specialist: typically at least 6 years of engineering experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains
Senior Engineering Specialist: typically at least 12 years of substantive experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains
Proficiency in system architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering
Demonstrated experience in spacecraft system development, spacecraft subsystem design, ground/mission control, or mission processing for space systems
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to present methods and results in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively within cross-organizational teams
Exceptional time-management skills and ability to balance multiple concurrent projects and schedule commitments
Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approximately 5–10%
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Senior Engineering Specialist: demonstrated success organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams
Senior Engineering Specialist: experience developing and presenting strategic decision-making and strategic communications artifacts for senior-level management and technical design artifacts for engineering-level reviews
Senior Engineering Specialist: demonstrated ability to collaborate with external partners from customer organizations, acquisition program offices, and contractors
Preferred/standout: advanced degree in engineering, math, science, or related technical discipline
Preferred/standout: experience with concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies
Preferred/standout: experience with key Aerospace customer agencies from DoW and the Intelligence Community
Preferred/standout: experience with artificial intelligence applications and emerging commercial capability offerings for space systems
Preferred/standout: hands-on experience with SysML, UAF, or UPDM
Preferred/standout: proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, or SolidWorks

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect